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Jury in Chasing Horse trial set to resume deliberations Friday
The 'Dances with Wolves' actor is accused of sexually assaulting multiple women.
Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:07pm
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Jurors went home late Thursday afternoon without returning a verdict in the sexual assault trial of alleged cult leader Nathan Chasing Horse. The jury is expected to resume deliberations on Friday. Chasing Horse, 49, played 'Smiles a Lot' in the 1990 film 'Dances with Wolves' and is accused of sexually assaulting multiple women while running a cult called The Circle.
Why it matters
This high-profile case involving a former actor accused of running a cult and sexually assaulting multiple women has drawn national attention. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for the victims and the broader issue of sexual assault and cult activity.
The details
Chasing Horse, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Lakota Tribe, went to trial facing 21 charges, including counts of sexual assault with a minor under 16, first-degree kidnapping of a minor, sexual assault and use of minor under 14 in producing pornography. His indictment accuses him of sexual misconduct against three alleged victims. The jury seemed to be questioning at least one of the charges, asking the judge if counts four, five, six and seven were connected, meaning if they found count four not guilty, then five, six and seven would no longer be applicable.
- The jury began deliberating around 10 a.m. on Thursday.
- Jurors went home late Thursday afternoon without returning a verdict.
- The jury is expected to resume deliberations on Friday.
The players
Nathan Chasing Horse
A 49-year-old actor who played 'Smiles a Lot' in the 1990 film 'Dances with Wolves'. Authorities said he promoted himself as a 'medicine man' and committed crimes in the U.S. and Canada while running a cult called The Circle.
Corena Leone-LaCroix
An alleged victim of sexual assault by Nathan Chasing Horse. The Las Vegas Review-Journal has chosen to name her and publish her photo because she has previously given interviews to news outlets.
Jessica Peterson
The District Judge presiding over the trial.
William Rowles
The Chief Deputy District Attorney prosecuting the case.
Craig Mueller
The defense lawyer representing Nathan Chasing Horse.
What they’re saying
“That means I would have formed the intent here in Las Vegas to take her out of town and have sex with her in a strange Ramada Inn in South Dakota. That's what you would need to find that he did before you could convict him of kidnapping.”
— Craig Mueller, Defense lawyer (Las Vegas Review-Journal)
“Counts five, six and seven were similarly problematic.”
— Craig Mueller, Defense lawyer (Las Vegas Review-Journal)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Friday whether the jury's question about the connected charges requires any further clarification or instruction.
The takeaway
This high-profile trial involving allegations of sexual assault and cult activity has raised complex legal questions that the jury is still grappling with. The outcome could have significant implications for the victims and the broader issues of sexual violence and the dangers of cults.
