'Dances with Wolves' Actor Nathan Chasing Horse Sentenced to Life in Prison

The Verdict and Criminal Profile

Chasing Horse, 49 (full name: Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse), was found guilty of more than a dozen felony charges. The long-standing investigation into his activities reached a turning point in 2023, when a SWAT raid was conducted at his residence following allegations that he was operating as a "cult leader."

• Timeline of Abuse: Prosecutors demonstrated that Chasing Horse systematically exploited his status to abuse young Indigenous girls for over twenty years.

• Parole Status: Under the terms of his sentence, he will not be eligible for parole consideration until 2063.

• International Legal Troubles: In addition to the Nevada conviction, he faces further criminal charges in British Columbia and remains subject to an active arrest warrant in Alberta, Canada.

Spiritual Manipulation and the "Web of Abuse"

Throughout the 11-day trial, survivors provided harrowing testimony regarding how Chasing Horse weaponized his role as a spiritual leader to facilitate his crimes.

"He created a web of abuse by exploiting those who came to him for healing or traditional ceremonies." — Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci.

The prosecution detailed a particularly disturbing case involving a 14-year-old victim. Chasing Horse allegedly manipulated the girl by claiming "the spirits" demanded her virginity to cure her mother’s cancer. He further coerced her into silence by threatening that her mother would die if the abuse was reported—a cycle that reportedly continued for several years.

Background

Prior to his criminal conviction, Chasing Horse was a prominent figure in film and television projects focused on Native American history and culture, with his role in the 1990 film Dances with Wolves serving as his most notable career highlight.