Dances with Wolves’ Chasing Horse indicted on sex abuse charges in Nevada

New Indictment Against Nathan Chasing Horse in Nevada

A grand jury in Nevada has once again indicted Nathan Chasing Horse on charges related to the sexual abuse of Indigenous women and girls, reigniting a high-profile criminal case against the former Dances with Wolves actor.

The 21-count indictment, unveiled in Clark County District Court in Las Vegas, expands on previous charges of sexual assault, lewdness, and kidnapping to now include charges of producing and possessing child sexual abuse materials.

This development follows a series of delayed court proceedings and a recent ruling by the Nevada Supreme Court that led to the dismissal of Chasing Horse’s original 18-count indictment. The court criticized prosecutors for their handling of the case but left the door open for charges to be refiled.

Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson has expressed his intention to pursue another indictment in this case. The new charges mark a significant escalation in the legal battle against Chasing Horse.

Known for his role as Smiles A Lot in the acclaimed film Dances with Wolves, Chasing Horse hails from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, a community of the Sicangu Sioux tribe within the Lakota nation.

Following his acting career, Chasing Horse allegedly presented himself as a Lakota medicine man, conducting healing ceremonies across North America. Prosecutors claim that this role gave him access to vulnerable women and girls over several years, ultimately leading to his arrest near Las Vegas last year.

Chasing Horse’s arrest has had far-reaching implications within Indigenous communities, prompting additional charges in the U.S. and Canada. Law enforcement agencies have cited longstanding allegations against him, including reports from the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana where he was banished in 2015 amid accusations of human trafficking.

The indictment also alleges that Chasing Horse filmed sexual encounters with one of his accusers when she was under the age of 14. Prosecutors claim to have discovered this footage on cellphones found in a safe at Chasing Horse’s residence in North Las Vegas, where he reportedly lived with multiple wives, including the underage victim.

While Chasing Horse has maintained his innocence, the legal proceedings have shed light on the broader issue of violence against Native women and girls. The Nevada Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss the initial indictment highlighted the need for proper handling of such sensitive cases.

As Chasing Horse’s legal saga continues, authorities are increasingly prioritizing cases involving Native women, including efforts to combat human trafficking and address the high rates of violence against Indigenous communities.