Delay in Sentencing for ‘Dances With Wolves’ Actor Convicted of Sexual Assault

LAS VEGAS — The sentencing for Nathan Chasing Horse, who was convicted of sexual assault against Indigenous women and girls, has been postponed by a week.

The hearing, originally set for Wednesday, has been moved to March 18 by Judge Jessica Peterson. This case has significantly impacted communities across Indian Country.

Chasing Horse, known for his role in "Dances With Wolves," was found guilty on 13 out of 21 charges, including serious offenses against a victim who was just 14 when the assaults began. He was acquitted on certain charges.

He now faces a minimum sentence of 25 years in prison.

Following the trial, his attorney filed a motion for a new trial, claiming that a witness was unqualified to discuss grooming and that the statute of limitations had expired. This motion was denied.

The sentencing concludes a protracted effort to prosecute Chasing Horse, who was arrested and indicted in 2023. His arrest sparked a broader investigation across Indian Country, leading to further charges in other jurisdictions.

In February 2023, the British Columbia Prosecution Service charged him with sexual assault related to an incident alleged to have occurred in September 2018. The case was paused due to his U.S. charges but resumed afterward.

After exhausting appeals in the U.S., British Columbia prosecutors will determine the next steps in his case.

The Tsuut’ina Nation Police in Alberta confirmed that a warrant remains outstanding for Chasing Horse and that they are in contact with the Alberta Crown Prosecutors Office regarding this matter.

Nevada prosecutors highlighted that Chasing Horse exploited his reputation as a Lakota medicine man to manipulate and abuse Indigenous women and girls. Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci described how he maintained a pattern of abuse for nearly two decades.

Multiple victims testified against him, and the jury found him guilty on charges related to their testimonies.

Chasing Horse, born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, gained notoriety after his role in the Oscar-winning film. He traveled extensively to conduct healing ceremonies and was seen as a figure of authority in many Indigenous communities.

One key accuser alleged that Chasing Horse told her to sacrifice her virginity to save her mother, who was battling cancer, leading to years of sexual assault. Chasing Horse denies these allegations and his attorney questioned the credibility of the main accuser.