The trial of Nathan Chasing Horse, best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film "Dances With Wolves," has commenced in Las Vegas, marking the culmination of a years-long legal effort to prosecute the former actor. Chasing Horse faces 21 charges, including multiple counts of sexual assault and sexual assault of a minor, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
Prosecution's Allegations: Exploiting Spiritual Authority
Prosecutors from the Clark County District Attorney's office presented their opening statements on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, alleging that Chasing Horse systematically used his reputation as a Lakota medicine man to prey upon Indigenous women and girls. Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci told the court that Chasing Horse leveraged his spiritual standing within Native American communities to gain trust and commit sexual assaults.
"He used his position as a medicine man to manipulate vulnerable individuals," Pucci stated during her opening remarks. "This wasn't just about physical acts—it was about psychological control through spiritual manipulation."
Detailed Allegations Against the Former Actor
The prosecution outlined specific allegations involving two victims who were 14 and 19 years old at the time of the alleged assaults. According to Pucci, Chasing Horse told the 14-year-old victim that "the spirits wanted her to give up her virginity" to save her mother, who had been diagnosed with cancer. The prosecutor alleged that Chasing Horse then sexually assaulted the teenager and threatened that if she told anyone, her mother would die.
"She wanted to appease the spirits," Pucci explained to the jury. "She wanted to appease the medicine man. This is how he maintained control over her."
The prosecution presented photographs showing Chasing Horse with the younger victim, whom he had symbolically adopted when she was just six years old. Pucci described how the victim viewed Chasing Horse as a grandfather figure, creating a complex dynamic of trust and authority that prosecutors argue was exploited.
Defense Counterarguments: False Allegations and Respected Figure
Defense attorney Craig Mueller presented a starkly different narrative during his opening statement, characterizing Chasing Horse as a respected community member facing false accusations. Mueller told jurors that prosecutors would present no physical evidence, including no DNA evidence or eyewitnesses to support the allegations.
"This isn't some bizarre pedophile at large running around," Mueller asserted. "Nathan Chasing Horse is a well-respected individual who has contributed positively to his community for decades."
The defense attorney showed the jury family photographs depicting Chasing Horse with his multiple wives and images from powwows and community events. "Just like any family," Mueller commented, suggesting the allegations stemmed from interpersonal conflicts rather than criminal behavior.
Broader Context: Violence Against Native Women
The trial unfolds against a backdrop of increased attention to violence against Native American women, with authorities responding more actively in recent years to what has been described as an epidemic of such crimes. Chasing Horse's case has sent shockwaves through Indian Country, particularly given his prominent role in "Dances With Wolves," which was one of the most significant films featuring Native American characters when it premiered in 1990.
Born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, home to the Sicangu Sioux tribe of the Lakota nation, Chasing Horse gained recognition for his portrayal of Smiles A Lot in the award-winning film. Following his acting career, he traveled throughout North America performing healing ceremonies, according to court documents.
Additional Evidence and Testimony Expected
Prosecutors indicated they would present video evidence to support their allegations and would call additional witnesses, including another alleged victim who was 19 years old at the time of the alleged assault. Pucci described this second victim as having known Chasing Horse since childhood through ceremonial connections.
"She felt like he was a protector, a medicine man, part of the Lakota culture," Pucci told the court, explaining how the alleged grooming process mirrored patterns described by the younger victim.
The trial continues in a crowded Las Vegas courtroom, with Chasing Horse appearing in a black suit and blue tie, his hair pulled back, taking notes as proceedings unfold. His family members occupied the back row of the courtroom, observing the legal battle that represents the climax of prosecution efforts that began with his arrest and indictment in 2023.
