Nathan Chasing Horse Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sexual Assaults

A Nevada judge sentenced Nathan Chasing Horse to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 37 years. The sentence was delivered following a jury verdict finding him guilty on 13 charges, including multiple counts of sexual assault against three women.

Chasing Horse, a former actor in the film "Dances With Wolves," denied the charges and called the trial a "miscarriage of justice."

Sentencing and Legal Proceedings

The sentence was handed down by Judge Jessica Peterson in a Nevada court. Judge Peterson noted Chasing Horse's continued denial of the charges despite evidence presented at trial. A motion for a new trial, filed by Chasing Horse's attorney, was denied.

Victim Statements

During the sentencing hearing, victims and their families provided statements.

"The life that little girl could have lived has been taken from me forever."
— Corena Leone-LaCroix, who stated she was 14 years old when Chasing Horse assaulted her.

"Even to this day I struggle to regain my faith and spirituality."
— Lynnette Adams, the mother of a victim.

Siera Begaye stated she suffered complications from an ectopic pregnancy as a result of the assault.

Parole Eligibility

Chasing Horse will be eligible for parole after serving 37 years of his life sentence.

Background

• Chasing Horse, a member of the Sicangu Sioux tribe, was born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. He gained prominence as an actor in the film "Dances With Wolves."
• Prosecutors argued that he used his reputation as a Lakota medicine man to abuse Indigenous women and girls over a period of nearly 20 years.
• He was arrested in 2023 in Las Vegas.
• Chasing Horse was acquitted on some charges.

Other Pending Charges

Additional legal proceedings remain pending against Chasing Horse.

• Canada: A sexual assault charge is pending in British Columbia, Canada, related to an alleged offense in September 2018. The British Columbia Prosecution Service stated it will assess next steps after all appeals in the United States are exhausted.
• Alberta, Canada: A warrant remains outstanding in Alberta, according to the Tsuut'ina Nation Police Service.