Full Breakdown
Nathan Chasing Horse Sentenced to Life for Sexual Assault of Indigenous Women and Girls
4/29/2026, 8:12:13 PM
Sentencing Overview
On April 27 2026, Nevada District Court Judge Jessica Peterson sentenced former actor Nathan Chasing Horse to life imprisonment for 13 felony convictions, primarily sexual assault of three Indigenous women and girls. The sentence includes eligibility for parole after a minimum of 37 years, with credit for 1,184 days already served.
Background: Acting Career and Spiritual Leadership
Chasing Horse, a Rosebud Reservation native, gained fame as “Smiles a Lot” in the 1990 Oscar-winning film *Dances With Wolves*. After his acting career, he presented himself as a Lakota medicine man, traveling across the United States and Canada to conduct powwows, healing ceremonies, and medical consultations for Indigenous communities.
Key Figures
- Nathan Chasing Horse – defendant, 49 years old (some reports list 50).
- Judge Jessica Peterson – presiding judge.
- Bianca Pucci – Deputy District Attorney, Clark County.
- William Rowles – Chief Deputy District Attorney, Clark County.
- Victims – Corena Leone-LaCroix, Siera Begaye, Siena Chasing Horse, and their families.
- Melissa Leone – mother of Siera Begaye.
- Damienne Darby – communications counsel, British Columbia Prosecution Service.
- Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service – issued an outstanding warrant in Alberta.
Timeline of Legal Proceedings
- Sept 2018 – alleged assault near Keremeos, BC.
- Oct 2022 – tip initiates U.S. investigation.
- Jan 2023 – SWAT raid of Las Vegas home; arrest.
- Feb 2023 – bail set at $300,000.
- Jan 2026 – 11-day trial; jury returns guilty verdicts on 13 counts.
- Apr 27 2026 – life sentence imposed.
Data & Statistics
- Charges filed: 21 total; convicted: 13 (mostly sexual assault).
- Felony counts: reported as 20 in some sources.
- Parole eligibility: minimum 37 years (one source cites 25 years).
- Pending matters: sexual-assault charge in British Columbia; outstanding Alberta warrant; appeals pending.
Impact on Indigenous Communities
Victims described lasting psychological trauma, loss of faith, and medical complications, including an ectopic pregnancy suffered by Begaye. Community leaders highlighted the breach of sacred trust, with some labeling Chasing Horse “the Epstein of Indian Country.” Support groups such as VOICE and Redemption House have formed to aid survivors.
Official Statements & Responses
Judge Peterson said Chasing Horse “preyed on these women’s trusts and their spirituality, and you manipulated them for your own personal gratification.” Deputy DA Pucci characterized the conduct as a “web of abuse for almost 20 years.” Prosecutor Rowles noted that “for decades, victims…came forward and they were ignored.” Chasing Horse maintained his innocence, calling the verdict “a miscarriage of justice.”
Criticism & Opposition
Survivors and families condemned the abuse as a betrayal of cultural and spiritual practices. Melissa Leone asserted that the convicted crimes represent only a fraction of the harm inflicted. Advocacy groups called for stronger protections against spiritual exploitation within Indigenous communities.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Age: sources list 49 years and 50 years.
- Charge count: 13 convictions of 21 charges versus 20 felony counts.
- Parole eligibility: 37 years versus 25 years.
- Sentencing date: April 27 2026 (majority) versus unspecified in some outlets.
These discrepancies remain unresolved in public reporting.
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, survivor
- “You preyed on these women’s trusts and their spirituality, and you manipulated them for your own personal gratification.” — Judge Jessica Peterson
- “I did not do these things, and this is a miscarriage of justice,” — Nathan Chasing Horse, defendant
- “spun a web of abuse” — Bianca Pucci, Deputy District Attorney
- “The crimes he has been convicted of, like Epstein, are not even the tip of the iceberg,” — Melissa Leone, mother of a victim
- “I will rebuild my life, reclaim my voice and continue fighting for the future I deserve.” — Siera Begaye, survivor
What’s Next
British Columbia prosecutors will review further action after Chasing Horse’s appeals are exhausted. The Alberta warrant remains active. Parole eligibility will be assessed after the 37-year minimum term, pending any future legal developments.
