In brief
A Nevada jury has convicted actor Nathan Chasing Horse of 13 charges related to the sexual assault of Indigenous women and girls, including a victim who was 14 at the time of the abuse. Chasing Horse faces a minimum of 25 years in prison with sentencing scheduled for March 11. This verdict comes amid growing attention to violence against Native women, and the accusations revolve around Chasing Horse's use of his spiritual persona as a Lakota medicine man to exploit victims. Prosecutors and victims' advocates hope this outcome brings a measure of justice to affected communities.
LAS VEGAS (RTW News) — In a highly publicized trial that has brought to light the pressing issue of violence against Indigenous women, a Nevada jury has found Nathan Chasing Horse guilty on 13 counts of sexual assault involving Indigenous women and girls. The verdict, announced on Friday, follows a long investigation into actions that spanned nearly two decades.
Chasing Horse, best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film Dances With Wolves, now faces a minimum prison sentence of 25 years, with sentencing scheduled for March 11. Among the charges, the jury focused significantly on incidents involving a victim who was only 14 years old when the abuse began.
The court heard powerful testimonies from multiple victims, whose allegations underscored a troubling pattern of exploitation facilitated by Chasing Horse's status in the Indigenous community as a purported medicine man. Advocates for Indigenous rights have noted the significance of this case, emphasizing it as a critical moment for the reckoning of sexual violence within these communities.
William Rowles, chief deputy district attorney, commended the courage of the victims who came forward, asserting that their bravery was pivotal in achieving a measure of justice. I just hope that the people who came forward over the years can find some peace in this, he stated.
Chasing Horse's defense attorney, Craig Mueller, expressed disappointment with the verdict, indicating plans to file for a new trial based on alleged inconsistencies in the accusations.
Throughout the 11-day trial, jurors were presented with emotional testimonies that depicted not only the assaults but the psychological manipulation that accompanied them. Prosecutors highlighted the need for justice in cases where evidence is often lacking, as many sexual assault occurrences happen in private settings.
As the reform towards addressing violence against Indigenous women continues to gain traction across the U.S. and Canada, advocates see this case as a significant step in the right direction.
