Nathan Chasing Horse Found Guilty of Sexual Assault in Landmark Case

A Nevada jury convicted actor Nathan Chasing Horse on charges of sexual assault against Indigenous women and girls, revealing a disturbing pattern of abuse that has persisted for years. The verdict, delivered in Las Vegas, highlights the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

Details of the Conviction

Chasing Horse, known for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Dances With Wolves,” was found guilty of 13 out of 21 charges he faced, with many accusations stemming from incidents involving a 14-year-old victim. While the jury acquitted him of several charges related to this victim when she was older and living with him, the decision marks a significant victory for the victims who bravely came forward.

The Legal Outcome

At 49 years old, Chasing Horse faces a minimum sentence of 25 years in prison, with sentencing set for March 11. The case is particularly notable for its larger implications surrounding the treatment of sexual assault survivors within Indigenous communities.

Prosecutors’ Stance

Prosecutors painted a harrowing picture of Chasing Horse as a manipulator who exploited his status as a Lakota medicine man. Using his influence, he exploited cultural traditions and spiritual beliefs to assert control over vulnerable Indigenous women and girls.

Testimonies and Trial Proceedings

The trial lasted 11 days, during which jurors heard from multiple women who testified to being sexually assaulted by Chasing Horse when they were minors. The jury returned guilty verdicts based on evidence related to these three main accusers.

The Main Accuser’s Testimony

One key accuser publicly shared traumatic experiences dating back to 2012 when she claimed Chasing Horse told her that spirits demanded she give up her virginity to prevent her mother’s imminent death from cancer. The assaults, according to testimony, continued under the threat of further danger to her family.

Defense Arguments

In contrast, defense attorney Craig Mueller challenged the prosecution’s case, citing a lack of physical evidence and eyewitness accounts. He characterized the primary accuser as a