Actor from ‘Dances With Wolves’ Convicted in Disturbing Case

Nathan Chasing Horse, the onetime child star from “Dances With Wolves,” has been found guilty of sexually assaulting Indigenous girls — ending a case that Native advocates say exposed decades of hidden abuse inside tight-knit spiritual circles.

The verdict came Friday afternoon in Las Vegas after an emotional 11-day trial. A Nevada jury convicted the 49-year-old on 13 of 21 charges, most tied to the repeated assault of a girl who was only 14 when, prosecutors say, Chasing Horse first targeted her.

He now faces at least 25 years in prison. Sentencing is set for March 11.

Chasing Horse was long known in Indian Country as a spiritual healer, a Lakota medicine man, and the actor who played Smiles a Lot in the 1990 epic “Dances With Wolves.” Prosecutors argued he used that reputation to groom, manipulate, and isolate Indigenous women and girls across multiple states.

Investigators say the abuse stretched for nearly two decades. Complaints surfaced as early as the mid-2000s, but the first major break came in 2023 when Las Vegas police arrested him after a sweeping investigation.

“He built a world where his word was law,” one law-enforcement source familiar with the case said. “Women believed he could heal them. Instead, he was exploiting them.”

Authorities say he controlled victims through fear and spiritual coercion. In one instance, the main accuser said she was told by Chasing Horse that “the spirits” wanted her to surrender her virginity to save her mother, who was fighting cancer. She was 14. Prosecutors said he assaulted her for years and warned that if she spoke up, her mother would die.

As the verdict was read, Chasing Horse stood silent. Outside the courtroom, victims and supporters wept and embraced. Many wore yellow ribbons to honor survivors of sexual violence.

“This is a moment of truth for every Indigenous woman who was told to stay quiet,” said one advocate who attended the trial. “People are finally listening.”

Clark County chief deputy district attorney William Rowles praised the women who testified.

“They showed remarkable courage,” he said. “I hope they find some peace in knowing their voices mattered.”

Chasing Horse’s attorney, Craig Mueller, said he would seek a new trial. He told the Associated Press he was “confused and disappointed” by the outcome.

“I still have meaningful doubts about the sincerity of the accusations,” Mueller said.

The case is far from over. Chasing Horse is also charged with sex crimes in Montana, South Dakota, and Canada. British Columbia prosecutors said they will review next steps after sentencing and any U.S. appeals.

The trial unfolded against a backdrop of rising national attention on missing and murdered Indigenous women. Advocacy groups say violence against Native women often goes unreported or unprosecuted, especially when the accused holds spiritual influence.

“This is bigger than one man,” said another Indigenous advocate. “It’s about breaking the silence that predators depend on.”

Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson issued a sharp statement after the verdict.

“Today’s verdict sends a clear message that exploitation and abuse will not be tolerated, regardless of the defendant’s public persona or claims of spiritual authority,” he said.

For many watching the case, the message has been a long time coming.