Full Breakdown
Nathan Chasing Horse Convicted of Sexual Assault Charges
1/31/2026, 5:14:21 AM
Conviction Details and Charges
On January 30, 2026, a jury in Las Vegas convicted Nathan Chasing Horse, the actor known for his role in "Dances With Wolves," on 13 counts of sexual assault, including charges related to the sexual assault of minors. The jury acquitted him of eight charges, which included kidnapping a minor and producing pornography involving a minor. The verdict followed a three-week trial that highlighted allegations spanning nearly two decades, with prosecutors asserting that Chasing Horse exploited his status as a self-proclaimed Lakota medicine man to manipulate and abuse Indigenous women and girls.
Background of the Case
Chasing Horse, 49, was arrested and indicted in early 2023 after a lengthy investigation into multiple allegations of sexual abuse. Prosecutors claimed that he led a cult known as The Circle, where he purportedly convinced followers that he could communicate with spirits. The main victim, who was 14 years old at the time of the initial assault in 2012, testified that Chasing Horse told her that the spirits demanded she give up her virginity to save her mother from cancer. This manipulation was a key element in the prosecution's case, which emphasized the power dynamics at play.
Key Testimonies and Evidence
During the trial, jurors heard from three women who accused Chasing Horse of sexual assault, including accounts of abuse that began when they were minors. Prosecutors presented evidence, including recordings found during a police raid on Chasing Horse's home, which allegedly depicted him abusing another victim when she was between 12 and 13 years old. The defense, however, argued that there was a lack of eyewitness testimony and questioned the credibility of the main accuser, labeling her a "scorned woman."
Official Statements and Responses
William Rowles, the Clark County chief deputy district attorney, expressed gratitude towards the women who testified, stating, “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.” In contrast, Chasing Horse's defense attorney, Craig Mueller, indicated plans to file a motion for a new trial, expressing confusion and disappointment regarding the jury's decision.
Implications and Next Steps
Chasing Horse faces a minimum sentence of 25 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for March 11, 2026. The case has drawn significant attention due to its implications for the ongoing epidemic of violence against Indigenous women in the United States. As authorities increasingly address these issues, Chasing Horse's conviction may serve as a pivotal moment in the fight for justice for Indigenous victims.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the jury found Chasing Horse guilty of 13 charges, the acquittal on eight charges raises questions about the evidence presented. The defense's claims of insufficient evidence and the questioning of the main accuser's credibility highlight the complexities of sexual assault cases, particularly those involving minors and allegations spanning many years.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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
- “Mueller said in his closing statements that there was no evidence, including from eyewitnesses.” — Craig Mueller, Defense Attorney
