‘Dances With Wolves’ actor Nathan Chasing Horse found guilty of sexual assault

A Nevada jury on Friday convicted “Dances With Wolves” actor Nathan Chasing Horse and located him responsible of sexually assaulting Native ladies and women in a case that prosecutors mentioned uncovered years of hidden abuse.

The decision was handed down in Las Vegas. Jurors discovered Chasing Horse responsible of 13 of the 21 costs he confronted, most of which concerned a sufferer who was 14 years previous when the assaults started.

He was acquitted of a number of sexual abuse costs associated to a later interval, when the sufferer was older and lived with him and different companions.

‘DANCES WITH WOLVES’ ACTOR CHARGED IN SEX ABUSE CASE IN NEVADA AND CANADA FOR RAPE OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN

Nathan Chasing Horse and his legal professional Craig Mueller enter the courtroom throughout his sexual assault trial on the Regional Justice Heart in Las Vegas on Friday, January 30, 2026. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Assessment-Journal by way of AP)

The 49-year-old suspect dangers a jail sentence of at the very least 25 years. His sentencing is scheduled for March 11.

Prosecutors mentioned the previous actor weaponized his popularity as a Lakota drugs man, exploiting cultural traditions and religious beliefs to prey on indigenous ladies and women.

The decision ended a yearslong effort to carry Chasing Horse accountable after he was first arrested and charged in 2023, sending shockwaves by means of the realm, in line with authorities.

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Nathan Chasing Horse is led from a courtroom after a jury discovered him responsible of sexual assault on Friday, January 30, 2026, on the Regional Justice Heart in Las Vegas. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Assessment-Journal by way of AP)

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Over the course of an 11-day trial, jurors heard testimony from three ladies who alleged that Chasing Horse sexually assaulted them, some whereas they have been minors. The jury in the end returned responsible verdicts on costs associated to all three accusers.

Deputy District Legal professional Bianca Pucci instructed jurors that for almost 20 years, Chasing Horse “spun an internet of abuse” ensnaring weak ladies.

Prosecutors mentioned the lead accuser was simply 14 years previous in 2012 when Chasing Horse allegedly instructed her that spirits demanded she quit her virginity to save lots of her mom, who had been recognized with most cancers.

In keeping with Pucci, the assaults continued for years, exacerbated by warnings that her mom would die if she instructed anybody.

‘DANCES WITH WOLVES’ ACTOR NATHAN CHASING HORSE INDICATED IN 19 NUMBER OF SEX TUBE CASES

Nathan Chasing Horse sits in courtroom in North Las Vegas, Nevada, February 8, 2023. (AP photographs)

Legal professional Craig Mueller argued that the case lacked bodily proof and eyewitness testimony. He challenged the credibility of the lead prosecutor and referred to as her a “lady scorned.”

Mueller mentioned he’ll ask for a brand new trial and instructed The Related Press he was confused and upset by the jury’s choice, citing “significant doubts concerning the sincerity of the allegations.”

As the decision was learn, Chasing Horse stood silently within the courtroom. Exterior, victims and supporters cried, hugged one another and wore yellow ribbons. The principle sufferer declined to remark.

Clark County Chief Deputy District Legal professional William Rowles mentioned the decision belonged to the ladies who got here ahead.

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Former actor Nathan Chasing Horse was arrested on January 31, 2023, on costs of intercourse trafficking, sexual assault of a kid below 16 and little one abuse. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Assessment-Journal by way of AP)

“I simply hope that the individuals who have come ahead over time and filed complaints towards Nathan Chasing Horse can discover some peace on this,” Rowles mentioned.

Clark County District Legal professional Steve Wolfson, who got here to the courtroom to listen to the decision, mentioned the choice despatched a broader message than the case itself.

“Immediately’s verdict sends a transparent message that exploitation and abuse won’t be tolerated, whatever the defendant’s public persona or claims to religious authority,” Wolfson mentioned.

Chasing Horse was born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, house of the Sicangu Sioux, one of many seven tribes of the Lakota nation. He grew to become extensively identified for taking part in Smiles a Lot in Kevin Costner’s 1990 Oscar-winning movie “Dances with Wolves,” one of the distinguished movies of its time that includes Native American actors.

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The trial passed off amid elevated scrutiny of violence towards indigenous ladies, a difficulty that authorities have acknowledged has lengthy been underreported and underprosecuted.

Chasing Horse can also be charged with intercourse crimes in different states and Canada. British Columbia prosecutors mentioned Friday they’ll decide the best way to proceed after his sentencing and any appeals in america are accomplished.

The Related Press contributed to this report.