'Dances With Wolves' actor convicted on sexual assault charges

Nathan Chasing Horse found guilty of assaulting Indigenous women and girls

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:47pm

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A Nevada jury has convicted 'Dances With Wolves' actor Nathan Chasing Horse of sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls. Chasing Horse, 49, was found guilty of 13 of the 21 charges he faced, with most of the guilty verdicts related to his conduct with a 14-year-old victim. He faces a minimum of 25 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for March 11.

Why it matters

This case has sent shockwaves through Indian Country, highlighting the ongoing issue of violence against Native women. Chasing Horse used his reputation as a Lakota medicine man to prey on vulnerable Indigenous women and girls, underscoring the need for greater accountability and justice for these types of crimes.

The details

Prosecutors said Chasing Horse, who was born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, used his status as a respected actor and medicine man to sexually assault multiple victims over the course of nearly 20 years. The main victim, who was 14 when the abuse began, testified that Chasing Horse told her the spirits wanted her to give up her virginity to save her mother, who was diagnosed with cancer. He then sexually assaulted her, threatening that her mother would die if she told anyone.

  • Chasing Horse was first arrested and indicted in 2023.
  • The three-week trial took place in 2026.
  • Chasing Horse's sentencing is scheduled for March 11, 2026.

The players

Nathan Chasing Horse

A 49-year-old actor known for his role as Smiles a Lot in the film 'Dances With Wolves', who was convicted of sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls.

Bianca Pucci

The deputy district attorney who prosecuted the case against Chasing Horse.

Craig Mueller

The defense attorney for Chasing Horse, who said he will file a motion for a new trial and expressed disappointment in the jury's verdict.

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What they’re saying

“I just hope that the people who came forward over the years and made complaints against Nathan Chasing Horse can find some peace in this.”

— William Rowles, Clark County chief deputy district attorney (wbal.com)

“For almost 20 years, Chasing Horse 'spun a web of abuse' that caught many women.”

— Bianca Pucci, Deputy District Attorney (wbal.com)

“I had some 'meaningful doubts about the sincerity of the accusations'.”

— Craig Mueller, Defense attorney (wbal.com)

What’s next

Chasing Horse's sentencing is scheduled for March 11, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of violence against Native women and the need for greater accountability and justice for these types of crimes. It also underscores the importance of listening to and believing survivors, even in cases where there may not be eyewitnesses or physical evidence.