“Dances With Wolves” actor Nathan Chasing Horse been sentenced to life in prison by a Nebraska judge for sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls, according to the Associated Press.
A jury had previously convicted him of 13 charges, mostly related to sexual assault of three women.
Accusers and their families told Judge Jessica Peterson that they continue to suffer from the trauma caused by Chasing Horse, along with feeling he exploited his position as a spiritual leader, causing them to struggle with their faith. He was alleged to have been the leader of a cult called The Circle.
“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,” said Corena Leone-LaCroix, who was 14 when Chasing Horse assaulted her. “The life that little girl could have lived has been taken from me forever.”
The AP clarified it does not use the names of alleged sexual assault victims unless they come forward publicly, as Leone-LaCroix has.
Chasing Horse, who has continued to deny the charges against him, was reportedly quiet during his sentencing and will be eligible for parole after serving for 37 years.
“You preyed on these women’s trusts and their spirituality, and you manipulated them for your own personal gratification,” Judge Peterson said before announcing his sentence.
The former actor was first arrested and indicted in 2023. The initial arrest occurred in Las Vegas, with law enforcement in other states and Canada following up with additional criminal charges. The charges are still pending, and Chasing Horse also has an outstanding warrant against him in Alberta.
Chasing Horse was born in South Dakota and rose to fame portraying the young Sioux tribe member Smiles a Lot in Kevin Costner’s Oscar-winning film “Dances With Wolves.” Following his appearance, Chasing Horse traveled across Indian Country to attend powwows and perform healing ceremonies.
Multiple victims described how they participated in his ceremonies or went to Chasing Horse for medical help due to his reputation as a Lakota medicine man.
Chasing Horse allegedly told Leone-LaCroix when she was 14 that the spirits wanted her to give up her virginity to save her mother, who was diagnosed with cancer. He then sexually assaulted her and told her that if she told anyone, her mother would die, according to Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci. The sexual assaults continued for years, Pucci said.
Chasing Horse denied the allegations and a motion for a new trial, which was denied.
Siera Begaye, one of the other victims, said she still faces complications after suffering an ectopic pregnancy as a result of the assault and being forced to undergo surgery.
“I am choosing to see this moment as a fresh start,” Begaye said. “I will rebuild my life, reclaim my voice and continue fighting for the future I deserve.”
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