Actor Nathan Chasing Horse convicted of sexual assault charges

Jury finds 'Dances With Wolves' actor guilty of sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls

Jan. 31, 2026 at 9:31pm

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A Nevada jury has convicted actor Nathan Chasing Horse, known for his role in the film 'Dances With Wolves', of sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls. Prosecutors said Chasing Horse, who was first arrested in 2023, used his reputation as a Lakota medicine man to prey on his victims. Chasing Horse was found guilty of 13 of the 21 charges he faced, with most of the guilty verdicts centered on his conduct with a victim who was 14 when the assaults began. He faces a minimum of 25 years in prison and is also facing sex crime charges in other states and Canada.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual violence against Indigenous women and girls, which has been described as an 'epidemic' in recent years. Chasing Horse's high-profile status as an actor made him a trusted figure in his community, which he allegedly exploited to commit these crimes. The conviction sends a strong message that such abuse of power and authority will not be tolerated.

The details

Prosecutors said Chasing Horse, 49, used his reputation as a Lakota medicine man to prey on Indigenous women and girls. The jury found him guilty of 13 of the 21 charges he faced, with most of the guilty verdicts centered on his conduct with a 14-year-old victim whom he allegedly told the 'spirits' wanted her to give up her virginity to save her mother, who was diagnosed with cancer. Chasing Horse then sexually assaulted the victim, warning her that if she told anyone, her mother would die. The sexual assaults continued for years, according to prosecutors.

  • Chasing Horse was first arrested and indicted in 2023.
  • The jury delivered its verdict on February 1, 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'.

Clark County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutors who brought the case against Chasing Horse, including Chief Deputy District Attorney William Rowles and Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci.

Craig Mueller

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

Steve Wolfson

The Clark County District Attorney, who came to the Las Vegas courtroom to hear the verdict.

Main victim

The 14-year-old victim who was the focus of many of the guilty verdicts against Chasing Horse.

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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 (The Associated Press)

“Today's verdict sends a clear message that exploitation and abuse will not be tolerated, regardless of the defendant's public persona or claims of spiritual authority.”

— Steve Wolfson, Clark County District Attorney (The Associated Press)

“I was confused and disappointed in the jury's verdict. I had some meaningful doubts about the sincerity of the accusations.”

— Craig Mueller, Chasing Horse's defense attorney (The Associated Press)

What’s next

British Columbia prosecutors said they will assess next steps in their prosecution of Chasing Horse once he has been sentenced and any appeals are finished in the U.S.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual violence against Indigenous women and girls, and the importance of holding high-profile perpetrators accountable, regardless of their public image or claims of spiritual authority. It serves as a reminder that exploitation and abuse will not be tolerated.