Nathan Chasing Horse, a former actor best known for his role in the Oscar-winning 1990 film Dances With Wolves, has been sentenced to serve at least 37 years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls. The 49-year-old, who also went by Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse, was found guilty of 13 of the 21 charges he faced, with most relating to the assault of three women. One victim was 14 years old when the abuse began.
Chasing Horse had cultivated a reputation as a medicine man and spiritual leader among Indigenous tribes across both the United States and Canada. Accusers and their families told the Nevada court that he exploited his position within tribal communities, with victims attending his ceremonies or approaching him for medical help before being assaulted.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative legal commentators have focused on the length of the sentence as a reflection of the severity of the crimes. Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci told the jury during closing arguments that Chasing Horse had “spun a web of abuse” for nearly two decades, targeting women who came to him seeking spiritual guidance and medical assistance.
Before issuing the sentence, District Court Judge Jessica Peterson stated: “You manipulated them for your own personal gratification.” She noted that Chasing Horse had specifically told one victim, according to testimony from Leone-LaCroix, that the spirits wanted her to give up her virginity to save her mother who had cancer. Conservative legal analysts have argued this element of spiritual manipulation represents an aggravating factor warranting the substantial prison term.
Some Republican lawmakers and law enforcement advocates have pointed to the case as evidence that federal and state cooperation in Indian Country cases can result in meaningful accountability. They note that Chasing Horse will be eligible for parole only after serving 37 years, which they argue sends a deterrent message to others who might exploit positions of trust within tribal communities.
What the Left Is Saying
Indigenous rights advocates and survivors' groups have highlighted the case as an example of how spiritual leaders can weaponize cultural trust to victimize vulnerable community members. The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, which was not quoted directly in court proceedings but has long documented violence against Native American women, has pointed to systemic gaps in protections for Indigenous women who face abuse from figures of authority within their communities.
In her public statement, victim Corena Leone-LaCroix said: “There is no way to get back the youth, the childhood loss, my first time, my first kiss, the graduation I never got to have. The life that little girl could have lived has been taken from me forever.” Her attorney noted that she came forward publicly knowing other victims had remained silent out of fear they would not be believed.
Several Indigenous advocacy organizations have cited FBI data showing that Native American women face rates of sexual violence far exceeding national averages, with many assaults going unreported due to jurisdictional complications between tribal, federal, and state authorities. These groups argue that cases involving spiritual leaders exploit sacred traditions and cause compounded harm to entire communities seeking healing through traditional practices.
What the Numbers Show
Chasing Horse was convicted on 13 of 21 charges filed against him following an investigation involving multiple jurisdictions. The convictions related primarily to sexual assault offenses against three identified victims, with some counts carrying mandatory minimum sentences under Nevada law.
The 37-year minimum sentence represents one of the longest recent prison terms issued in a case involving crimes against Indigenous women in Nevada state court. Jurors heard testimony from all three women over several days of proceedings.
According to Bureau of Justice Statistics data cited by tribal advocates, approximately 1 in 3 Native American women have experienced sexual violence in their lifetimes, compared to roughly 1 in 5 women nationally. FBI crime reports indicate that sexual assault rates in tribal jurisdictions remain significantly higher than the national average, though prosecution rates vary widely depending on which jurisdiction has authority over a given case.
The Bottom Line
Chasing Horse’s sentencing concludes a criminal proceeding that began after multiple women came forward with allegations spanning nearly two decades. His defense team maintained throughout trial that he denied all allegations, and his attorney indicated he may pursue appeals of his convictions.
The case drew attention both for its unusual defendant, whose Hollywood career provided public recognition rarely seen in tribal jurisdiction cases, and for the detailed testimony about how a spiritual leader allegedly used cultural practices to facilitate abuse. The judge’s characterization of the crimes as exploitation of women’s spirituality has been cited by advocates pushing for stronger protections within tribal communities.
Chasing Horse will serve his sentence in Nevada state prison before becoming eligible for parole consideration. Survivors’ rights groups have noted that even with this conviction, significant gaps remain in federal law regarding how sexual assault cases involving Indigenous victims are prosecuted across jurisdictional boundaries.