Full Breakdown
Nathan Chasing Horse Sentenced to 37 Years-to-Life for Sexual Assaults of Indigenous Women
4/28/2026, 12:55:59 PM
Sentencing and Convictions
On 27 April 2026, Judge Jessica Peterson sentenced former actor Nathan Chasing Horse to 37 years-to-life, with parole after 25 years. The sentence includes credit for 1,184 days served since his 2023 arrest. A Las Vegas jury convicted him on 13 of 21 counts, including ten sexual assaults of minors under 16, one open/gross lewdness, one sexual-assault count, and one child-sexual-content possession count.
Background and Investigation
Chasing Horse, known for Smiles a Lot in *Dances With Wolves*, presented himself as a Lakota medicine man and holy person. Prosecutors said he used that status to access victims. An anonymous tip in Oct 2022 led to a search warrant and his 2023 arrest. Allegations date back to at least 2012.
Key Timeline
Oct 2022 – tip; 2023 – arrest; Sep 2018 – alleged BC assault; Feb 2023 – BC charge; Jan 2026 – trial; Apr 27 2026 – sentencing.
Charges and Sentencing Details
The 13 convictions include ten sexual assaults of minors, one open/gross lewdness, one sexual-assault count, and one child-sexual-content possession count. The 37-year-to-life term allows parole after 25 years, reduced by 1,184 days already credited.
Official Statements & Responses
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said the 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.” Chief Deputy District Attorney William Rowles added that “for decades, victims…came forward and they were ignored.” United Natives CEO Crystal Lee stressed the need to hold high-profile perpetrators accountable.
Criticism and Defense Arguments
Chasing Horse’s attorney called the main accuser “a scorned woman” and argued the testimony failed grooming standards; a motion to dismiss on statute-of-limitations grounds was denied.
Victims’ Accounts
Three women testified; assaults began when one was 14. One victim suffered an ectopic pregnancy requiring surgery. Mothers said they still struggle with faith, noting the abuse violated sacred traditions. Victims aim to rebuild their lives.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Media differ, some reporting “life in prison” and others “37 years-to-life.” Charges remain pending in other U.S. states and Canada; an active warrant in Alberta is undisclosed. The British Columbia charge outcome is undetermined.
Verbatim Quotes
- “For decades, victims of Nathan Chasing Horse came forward and they were ignored,” — William Rowles, Chief Deputy District Attorney, Clark County
- “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, District Attorney
- “This is a miscarriage of justice.” — Nathan Chasing Horse, defendant
- “I think it makes us question who we trust and why we trust,” — Crystal Lee, CEO, United Natives
What’s Next
British Columbia prosecutors will decide how to proceed after U.S. appeals are exhausted. Alberta authorities maintain an active warrant. Additional sex-crime charges in other U.S. jurisdictions remain pending.
