Chasing Horse’s attorney argued that the sexual encounters in the Nevada case were consensual, despite one of the victims being under the age of consent. The defense also claimed that evidence presented to the grand jury, including the definition of grooming, had tainted the state’s case. Deputy Public Defender Kristy Holston declined to comment on the case.
Nathan Chasing Horse, best known for his role in the film “Dances with Wolves,” has been accused of leading a cult, taking underage wives, and sexually abusing Indigenous women and girls. Law enforcement authorities have stated that Chasing Horse used his position as a self-proclaimed medicine man to gain access to vulnerable individuals. After a months-long investigation, Chasing Horse was arrested in January 2023, and his North Las Vegas home was raided where he is said to have lived with five wives.
The full seven-member Nevada Supreme Court will reconsider Chasing Horse’s request to dismiss the 18-count criminal indictment against him. Chasing Horse has pleaded not guilty to charges including sexual assault of a minor, kidnapping, and child abuse. The court’s decision to review his request comes after an earlier order by a three-member panel of justices denied him another hearing. A date for additional arguments has not been set, and it is unclear when a decision will be issued.
The arrest of Chasing Horse in Las Vegas in January 2023 stunned Indian Country and helped corroborate long-standing allegations against the former actor. He has been accused of using his status as a medicine man to exploit girls and women since the early 2000s. Despite the legal challenges and lengthy court proceedings, Chasing Horse has remained in custody at a county jail in Las Vegas.
Chasing Horse’s case in Nevada is just one of several legal challenges he is facing across the United States and in Canada. The former actor has faced allegations of leading a cult, taking underage wives, and sexually abusing Indigenous women and girls. His defense team has argued that the sexual encounters were consensual and that evidence presented to the grand jury tainted the state’s case. The full seven-member Nevada Supreme Court will revisit his request to dismiss the charges, but a date for further arguments has not been set.
