Nathan Chasing Horse, Star of ‘Dances With Wolves,’ Sentenced to Life for Sex Crimes

Actor Nathan Chasing Horse Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sexual Assaults

Nathan Chasing Horse, known for his role in Dances with Wolves, has been sentenced to life in prison following his conviction on multiple counts of sexual assault against Indigenous women and girls. The sentencing took place on Tuesday in Las Vegas.

Chasing Horse, 49, whose full name is Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse, faced over a dozen charges primarily related to the sexual assault of three women. He was arrested in January 2023 during a SWAT raid at his home. Reports from the Associated Press indicated that he had been accused of leading a cult and abusing "young Indigenous girls during a period spanning two decades."

During the court proceedings, the victims and their families shared their experiences with Judge Jessica Peterson, alleging that Chasing Horse had manipulated his position as a spiritual leader. Despite maintaining his innocence, Chasing Horse will be eligible for parole in 2063. He is also facing additional charges in British Columbia and has an outstanding warrant in Alberta.

The trial, which lasted 11 days, featured harrowing testimonies from Chasing Horse’s victims, many of whom sought medical help or took part in his ceremonies. Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci described a "web of abuse," highlighting a particularly troubling case involving a 14-year-old victim. Pucci recounted how Chasing Horse allegedly told her that spiritual forces required her to give up her virginity to save her mother, who was suffering from cancer. After the assault, he threatened her, claiming that revealing the incident would result in her mother’s death. The assaults reportedly continued for several years.

Chasing Horse gained fame for his portrayal of Sioux character Smiles A Lot in the 1990 film Dances with Wolves, which won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. His other notable appearances include the role of Sleeping Bear in the TNT miniseries Into the West and performances in the TV movies Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee and The Broken Chain, as well as the 2003 film DreamKeeper.