Nathan Chasing Horse Found Guilty of Sexual Assault Against Indigenous Women

Mon Feb 02 2026 18:09:25 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The actor from 'Dances With Wolves' has been convicted by a Nevada jury, guilty of more than half the charges brought against him, marking a significant moment in the fight against abuses faced by Indigenous women.

Nathan Chasing Horse, known for his role in 'Dances With Wolves', was found guilty of multiple charges of sexual assault involving Indigenous women and girls, including charges concerning an underage victim. The jury delivered the verdict after an 11-day trial and Chasing Horse now faces substantial prison time. Prosecutors highlighted the systemic abuse tied to his public persona as a Lakota medicine man. Sentencing is expected on March 11, with additional charges pending in Canada.

LAS VEGAS — Nathan Chasing Horse, the actor famed for his role in 'Dances With Wolves', has been convicted by a jury in Nevada for sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls, igniting outrage and solidarity throughout Indian Country.

The Las Vegas jury rendered a verdict against Chasing Horse, finding him guilty on 13 of the 21 charges he faced, with the majority pertaining to his assaults on a victim who was just 14 at the time. The trial lasted 11 days and featured testimony from several victims.

Chasing Horse, now 49, could face a minimum of 25 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for March 11. His case has become emblematic of the larger issue of violence against Indigenous women, which has gained more attention in recent years.

Notably, he has also been charged with related sex crimes in Canada, and prosecutors are awaiting the conclusion of the U.S. legal process before pursuing those cases.

During the trial, the accusers bravely recounted their experiences, shedding light on a devastating reality faced by many women in Indigenous communities. Today’s verdict sends a clear message that exploitation and abuse will not be tolerated, stated Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson.

As the verdict was read, emotions ran high in the courtroom, with supporters of the victims expressing relief and sorrow while Chasing Horse's legal team expressed confusion regarding the outcome. Defense attorney Craig Mueller plans to file for a new trial, citing doubts about the validity of testimonies.

The prosecution argued that Chasing Horse leveraged his status to perpetuate his abuse for nearly two decades. Among the testimony was the harrowing account of the main victim, highlighting the manipulation and psychological abuse she suffered during her formative years.

Chasing Horse's conviction is a crucial landmark in the ongoing fight against sexual violence and exploitation, aimed at securing justice for victims and raising awareness about the plight of Indigenous women. The community hopes this case will catalyze further action against such crimes.