Story perspectives

Nathan Chasing Horse Sentenced to Life for Indigenous Assaults

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Actor Nathan Chasing Horse was sentenced in Las Vegas to life imprisonment with parole after 37 years.
The case ended a cross-border probe that started after an October 2022 tip and involved U.S. and Canadian police.
Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci said he used his Lakota medicine-man image to target Indigenous women and girls for nearly two decades.
Three victims, including 14-year-old Corena Leone-LaCroix, testified he claimed spirits demanded sexual acts before assaulting them.

History

Historical Context

The Tribal Law and Order Act, signed July 29 2010 by President Obama, let tribal courts impose longer sentences on non-Indian offenders. It built on a 2009 DOJ push by Attorney General Eric Holder and a 2007 NCAI resolution calling for stronger tribal law-enforcement. Under that framework, Las Vegas Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci secured a life sentence for Nathan Chasing Horse, targeting exploitation of Lakota identity.

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Story summary

Actor Nathan Chasing Horse was sentenced in Las Vegas to life imprisonment with parole after 37 years.
The case ended a cross-border probe that started after an October 2022 tip and involved U.S. and Canadian police.
Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci said he used his Lakota medicine-man image to target Indigenous women and girls for nearly two decades.
Three victims, including 14-year-old Corena Leone-LaCroix, testified he claimed spirits demanded sexual acts before assaulting them.

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