Nathan Chasing Horse, ‘Dances With Wolves’ actor, sentenced to 37 years to life for sexual assaults

Nathan Chasing Horse, best known for his role in the film Dances With Wolves, has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 37 years following multiple sexual assault convictions. The sentencing comes after a lengthy investigation and trial that brought forward serious allegations spanning many years.

A jury found him guilty of 13 charges, most tied to the abuse of Indigenous women and girls. The case has drawn widespread attention not just because of his acting background, but because of the scale and nature of the accusations presented in court.

What the court found

Prosecutors argued that Chasing Horse used his reputation as a spiritual leader to gain trust and exploit victims. According to court records, the abuse stretched across multiple years and involved several victims, including at least one who was underage when it began. 

During the trial, victims gave testimony describing long-term emotional and psychological impact. The jury ultimately convicted him on the majority of charges, while acquitting him on some others. The outcome reflected what prosecutors described as a pattern of manipulation and control rather than isolated incidents.

The sentencing and his response

A Nevada judge handed down a sentence of life in prison, with eligibility for parole after 37 years. That effectively means he could spend the rest of his life behind bars depending on future parole decisions.

Chasing Horse has denied the allegations and maintained his innocence, calling the verdict a miscarriage of justice during sentencing. Despite that, the court moved forward with sentencing based on the jury’s findings and the evidence presented during trial.

Wider impact and ongoing cases

The case has had a broader impact beyond the courtroom, especially within Native communities where Chasing Horse had influence. Many have pointed to the case as an example of how authority and cultural roles can be misused to take advantage of others.

Legal proceedings may not be fully over. Additional charges tied to alleged incidents in Canada are still pending, and those cases could move forward after the U.S. legal process is complete.