‘Dances With Wolves’ actor faces decades behind bars after jury convicts him of horrific crimes against Indigenous women and girls

A Nevada jury has convicted Nathan Chasing Horse, known for his role in the film Dances With Wolves, on multiple sexual assault charges. The 49-year-old actor was found guilty of 13 out of 21 charges he faced. Chasing Horse is looking at a minimum of 25 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for March 11, 2026.

According to NBC News, prosecutors said Chasing Horse used his position as a Lakota medicine man to prey on vulnerable Indigenous women and girls. He exploited his spiritual authority to commit these crimes.

Most of the guilty verdicts were related to one victim who was only 14 years old when the assaults started in 2012. Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci said Chasing Horse told the young girl that spirits required her to give up her virginity to save her mother, who had cancer.

Using spiritual power to harm vulnerable victims is a complete betrayal of trust

He reportedly warned her that if she told anyone, her mother would die. The sexual assaults continued for years. This case shows how predators use manipulation and threats to silence their victims. During the 11-day trial, three women testified about how Chasing Horse sexually assaulted them, sometimes when they were underage. 

The jury found him guilty on charges related to all three women. Similar cases have shown how disturbing evidence reveals criminal intent in serious crimes. When the verdict was read, Chasing Horse stood quietly in the courtroom. Outside, victims and their supporters, wearing yellow ribbons, cried and hugged each other.

Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney William Rowles thanked the victims for their bravery. He said, “I just hope that the people who came forward over the years and made complaints against Nathan Chasing Horse can find some peace in this.” Cases involving vulnerable victims, including horrific crimes against young children, continue to shock communities nationwide.

Chasing Horse’s defense attorney, Craig Mueller, said he was disappointed and confused by the jury’s decision. Mueller plans to file a motion for a new trial, saying he had “meaningful doubts about the sincerity of the accusations.” He had called the main accuser a “scorned woman” during his closing argument.

Chasing Horse played Smiles a Lot in the 1990 Oscar-winning film Dances With Wolves. He was born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. He also faces sex crime charges in other states and Canada. Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said, “Today’s verdict sends a clear message that exploitation and abuse will not be tolerated, regardless of the defendant’s public persona or claims of spiritual authority.”