Full Breakdown
Nathan Chasing Horse Sentenced to Life for Sexual Assault of Indigenous Women
4/28/2026, 10:45:56 AM
Sentencing and Convictions
On Monday, April 22, 2026, Nevada District Court Judge Jessica Peterson sentenced former actor and self-identified Lakota medicine man Nathan Chasing Horse, 49, to life imprisonment with parole eligibility after 37 years. The sentence follows a jury verdict convicting him on 13 of 21 sexual-assault and related charges, primarily involving a victim who was 14 when the abuse began.
Background: Film Role and Spiritual Authority
Nathan Chasing Horse gained fame as Smiles a Lot in Kevin Costner’s 1990 Oscar-winning film *Dances With Wolves*. Afterward he traveled across Indian Country, conducting healing ceremonies and attending powwows, positioning himself as a Lakota spiritual authority whose reputation became key to the prosecution’s case.
Legal Proceedings: Charges, Convictions, Participants, and Ongoing Cases
The Nevada trial covered 21 counts of sexual assault, kidnapping and related offenses; a jury convicted Chasing Horse on 13 counts and acquitted him of the remainder. Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci led the prosecution, and defense attorney Craig Mueller disputed the primary accuser’s credibility. In Canada, the British Columbia Prosecution Service has charged him for a 2018 assault near Keremeos, and an outstanding warrant in Alberta is being pursued by the Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service.
Official Responses and Defense Positions
Judge Jessica Peterson said Chasing Horse exploited the trust and spirituality of the women for personal gratification. Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci characterized the conduct as a long-standing pattern of abuse spanning nearly two decades. Dr. Crystal Lee of United Natives emphasized that the case highlights the importance of believing victims. Defense attorney Craig Mueller challenged the chief accuser’s credibility and argued the grooming testimony was inadmissible.
Impact on Indigenous Communities
The case amplified concerns about violence against Native women, a historically under-reported issue. Victims reported lasting trauma, disrupted spirituality, and health complications such as ectopic pregnancy, prompting calls for systemic reforms.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
The jury acquitted Chasing Horse on several charges, and details of pending Canadian cases remain undisclosed.
What’s Next
British Columbia will review the case after U.S. appeals; Alberta continues to pursue the outstanding warrant.
Verbatim Quotes
"This is a miscarriage of justice." — Nathan Chasing Horse, Defendant
"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
"Even to this day I struggle to regain my faith and spirituality." — Lynnette Adams, Mother of Siera Begaye
"I am choosing to see this moment as a fresh start. I will rebuild my life, reclaim my voice and continue fighting for the future I deserve." — Siera Begaye, Victim
"I think it makes us question who we trust and why we trust." — Dr. Crystal Lee, CEO, United Natives
"You preyed on these women's trusts and their spirituality, and you manipulated them for your own personal gratification." — Judge Jessica Peterson, Nevada District Court
