The Trial and Verdict: A Timeline of Justice

The case against Chasing Horse, 49, unfolded over several months, beginning with his arrest in 2023. A Nevada jury convicted him on January 31, 2026, of 13 charges, including sexual assault of a minor and coercion through his position as a self-proclaimed Lakota spiritual leader. The jury acquitted him of eight additional charges, underscoring the complexity of the case.

Prosecutors presented evidence that Chasing Horse exploited his cultural influence to manipulate and abuse young Indigenous women, some of whom were as young as 14 at the time of the assaults. The trial revealed a pattern of grooming, where Chasing Horse leveraged his reputation as a “medicine man” to gain trust within Indigenous communities before committing the crimes.

Victim Impact Statements: “My Childhood Was Stolen”

During the sentencing hearing, survivors delivered harrowing victim impact statements, detailing the lifelong trauma inflicted by Chasing Horse. Corena Leone-LaCroix, who was 14 when the assaults began, told the court:

“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.”

Leone-LaCroix, who has chosen to speak publicly about her experience, is one of three women who testified against Chasing Horse. The Associated Press noted that she waived her anonymity to bring attention to the broader issue of sexual violence against Indigenous women.

Judge Peterson, visibly moved by the testimony, rejected Chasing Horse’s claims of innocence. “This is not a miscarriage of justice,” she stated, addressing his final remarks to the court. “The evidence presented was overwhelming, and your continued denial only compounds the harm done to these survivors.”

Chasing Horse’s Rise and Fall: From Hollywood to Prison

Nathan Chasing Horse’s career in Hollywood was brief but memorable. He gained recognition for his role in the 1990 Oscar-winning film Dances With Wolves, where he played a young Lakota warrior. The film, directed by Kevin Costner, was praised for its portrayal of Native American culture, though it also faced criticism for its white savior narrative.

After his acting career waned, Chasing Horse reinvented himself as a spiritual leader, claiming to be a “medicine man” within the Lakota community. This role granted him access to Indigenous communities across the U.S. And Canada, where he conducted ceremonies and gained a following. Prosecutors argued that this position of trust was weaponized to facilitate his crimes.

Pending Charges in Canada

Chasing Horse’s legal troubles extend beyond Nevada. In February 2023, he was charged with sexual assault in British Columbia, Canada, stemming from an alleged incident in September 2018 near Keremeos, a village east of Vancouver. The case was temporarily paused due to his U.S. Prosecution but is expected to resume once his appeals in Nevada are exhausted.

Damienne Darby, a spokesperson for the British Columbia Prosecution Service, confirmed that prosecutors will assess next steps after Chasing Horse’s U.S. Legal proceedings conclude. “We are committed to pursuing justice for survivors,” Darby stated in an email to the Associated Press.

Broader Implications: A Wake-Up Call for Indigenous Communities

Chasing Horse’s case has reignited conversations about the exploitation of Indigenous women and the dangers of unchecked spiritual leadership. According to a 2022 report by the National Congress of American Indians, Indigenous women are murdered at a rate 10 times higher than the national average, and more than 80% experience violence in their lifetimes. Advocates argue that cases like Chasing Horse’s highlight the urgent need for systemic change.

William Rowles, the Clark County chief deputy district attorney, praised the survivors for their courage in coming forward. “Their testimony was instrumental in securing this conviction,” Rowles said. “This case is a reminder that predators often hide in plain sight, and we must remain vigilant in protecting the most vulnerable among us.”

Hollywood’s Role: Accountability and Representation

The sentencing has also prompted discussions about Hollywood’s responsibility in addressing abuse within the industry. Even as Chasing Horse’s acting career was limited, his case underscores the broader issue of how fame and cultural influence can be exploited. Activists are calling for greater accountability in casting and production processes, particularly for projects involving Indigenous stories and talent.

Key Takeaways

• Life Sentence: Nathan Chasing Horse was sentenced to life in prison for sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls, with eligibility for parole after 37 years.
• 13 Convictions: A Nevada jury found him guilty of 13 charges, including sexual assault of a minor, while acquitting him of eight others.
• Survivor Testimony: Victims described lifelong trauma, with one survivor stating, “The life that little girl could have lived has been taken from me forever.”
• Exploitation of Trust: Chasing Horse used his position as a self-proclaimed spiritual leader to manipulate and abuse young women.
• Pending Charges: He faces additional sexual assault charges in British Columbia, Canada, related to an alleged 2018 incident.
• Broader Impact: The case has sparked renewed calls for justice and systemic change to protect Indigenous women from violence.

FAQ

What was Nathan Chasing Horse convicted of?

Chasing Horse was convicted of 13 charges, primarily related to the sexual assault of Indigenous women and girls. The charges included assault of a minor, coercion, and abuse of his position as a spiritual leader.

What was his sentence?

He was sentenced to life in prison by Clark County District Judge Jessica Peterson. Chasing Horse will be eligible for parole after serving 37 years.

Are there other charges against him?

Yes, Chasing Horse faces sexual assault charges in British Columbia, Canada, stemming from an alleged incident in 2018. The case is on hold pending the outcome of his U.S. Appeals.

How did Chasing Horse exploit his position?

Prosecutors argued that Chasing Horse used his reputation as a “medicine man” to gain trust within Indigenous communities. He conducted spiritual ceremonies and leveraged this influence to manipulate and abuse young women.

What has been the reaction to the case?

The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of violence against Indigenous women. Advocates and survivors have called for systemic change to address the exploitation and abuse within spiritual and cultural spaces.

What’s Next?

Chasing Horse’s legal team has indicated plans to appeal the conviction, though legal experts suggest the evidence presented at trial makes a successful appeal unlikely. Meanwhile, the British Columbia Prosecution Service will proceed with its case once U.S. Proceedings conclude.

For survivors and advocates, the sentencing represents a rare moment of accountability in a system that has historically failed Indigenous women. As Corena Leone-LaCroix’s statement reminds us, the fight for justice is far from over—but this verdict is a step in the right direction.