Full Breakdown
Nathan Chasing Horse Sentenced to Life for Sexual Assault of Indigenous Women and Girls
4/28/2026, 9:08:16 AM
Trial and Sentencing Overview
On April 27 2026, Nevada District Judge Jessica Peterson sentenced actor Nathan Chasing Horse to life in prison, setting a 37-year period before parole eligibility. A Clark County jury convicted him on 13 of 21 counts, including sexual assault of minors under 16, open lewdness and a child-sexual-abuse-material charge. Prison terms were ordered for each of the three victims.
Background & Key Figures
Nathan Chasing Horse, born on the Rosebud Reservation, became known as “Smiles a Lot” in *Dances With Wolves* and later acted as a medicine man. Judge Jessica Peterson, DA Bianca Pucci, victims Corena Leone-LaCroix and Siera Begaye, Dr. Crystal Lee, defense lawyer Craig Mueller, and authorities in Alberta and British Columbia participated.
Timeline of Legal Proceedings
2023 – arrest and indictment; 2024 – Nevada Supreme Court dismissed the indictment; 2025 – re-indictment and pre-trial motions; Jan 2026 – jury returned 13 guilty verdicts; Apr 27 2026 – life sentence; investigations continue in British Columbia, Alberta and Montana.
Charges, Convictions, and Sentencing Details
The conviction covered sexual assault of three Indigenous women—including a victim who was 14 at the start—open lewdness and a child-sexual-abuse-material count. He was acquitted on eight other charges, such as later-period assault and kidnapping. Consecutive terms were imposed to reflect the breach of spiritual trust.
Victim Impact
Victims reported trauma, loss of faith, and physical effects such as an ectopic pregnancy. They emphasized loss of childhood milestones and a determination to rebuild their lives despite emotional wounds.
Official Statements & Responses
Judge Peterson said Chasing Horse exploited the trust and spirituality of the women for gratification. Deputy DA Pucci said he used his reputation as a Lakota medicine man to prey on women for nearly two decades. Dr. Lee said the case underscores the need to hold perpetrators accountable.
Criticism & Opposition
Defense attorney Craig Mueller called the accusers “disgruntled,” questioned the complainant’s credibility as a “scorned woman,” and argued the evidence fell short of statutory requirements. His motion for a trial was denied.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Nevada convictions cover 13 counts; eight other charges, including later-period assault and kidnapping, resulted in acquittals. Matters include a 2018 British Columbia sexual-assault charge, an outstanding warrant in Alberta, and reported warrants in Montana. Their resolution depends on U.S. appeals.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There is no way to get back the youth, the childhood loss, my first time, my first kiss, the graduation I never got to have,” — Corena Leone-LaCroix, victim
- “You preyed on these women’s trusts and their spirituality, and you manipulated them for your own personal gratification,” — Judge Jessica Peterson
- “I think it makes us question who we trust and why we trust,” — Dr. Crystal Lee, United Natives
- “Even to this day I struggle to regain my faith and spirituality,” — Lynnette Adams, mother of Siera Begaye
What’s Next
Chasing Horse will be eligible for parole after 37 years. Nevada appeals could alter that timeline. British Columbia prosecutors will decide on the 2018 charge, while Alberta authorities pursue the outstanding warrant. A focal point for discussions on abuse of spiritual authority in Indigenous communities.
