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Lakota Medicine Man Faces 21 Felony Charges in Vegas

1/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Nathan Chasing Horse, a Lakota medicine man, faces 21 felony charges, including sexual assault and kidnapping, as jury selection begins in Las Vegas.
Prosecutors allege he used his status to abuse Indigenous women and girls over two decades.
New allegations include recordings of him sexually abusing a minor found on cellphones in a safe at his home.
Judge Jessica Peterson noted juror biases due to personal experiences with sexual assault.

History

Historical Context

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), enacted in 1978, aimed to combat the systemic removal of Native American children from their families, which had reached alarming rates of 25-35% in some states. This legislation sought to preserve Indigenous culture and empower tribal jurisdictions in custody cases. Recent allegations against Nathan Chasing Horse underscore ongoing exploitation and the need for accountability within Indigenous communities.

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Story summary

Nathan Chasing Horse, a Lakota medicine man, faces 21 felony charges, including sexual assault and kidnapping, as jury selection begins in Las Vegas.
Prosecutors allege he used his status to abuse Indigenous women and girls over two decades.
New allegations include recordings of him sexually abusing a minor found on cellphones in a safe at his home.
Judge Jessica Peterson noted juror biases due to personal experiences with sexual assault.

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