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A court in the state of Nebraska has sentenced actor Nathan Chasing Horse, known for his role in the film Dances With Wolves, to life imprisonment after being convicted of sexually assaulting Native women and girls. The verdict came after a jury found him guilty on 13 counts, most of which involved sexual assault against three women.
Families of the victims and Judge Jessica Peterson reported that the victims continue to suffer from psychological trauma, pointing to Chasing Horse’s exploitation of his status as a spiritual leader in what is believed to be a sect known as The Circle. One of the victims, Corina Leon-Lacroix, who was 14 years old at the time of the assault, stated that her childhood and youth were stolen from her forever.
Details of the Charges and Conviction
According to the prosecution, Chasing Horse abused his position as a traditional healer within the Lakota community, presenting himself as a spiritual leader conducting healing ceremonies. His assaults reportedly spanned several years, during which he told one victim that spirits demanded she give up her virginity to save her mother, who was suffering from cancer. He then sexually assaulted her and threatened that her mother would die if she disclosed the abuse.
Chasing Horse denied the charges and requested a new trial, which was denied. His initial arrest took place in Las Vegas in 2023, followed by investigations in other states and Canada, where outstanding charges remain and a warrant has been issued for his arrest in Alberta.
Artistic Legacy and the Shadow of Abuse
Nathan Chasing Horse was born in South Dakota and gained fame for his role in Dances With Wolves, directed by Kevin Costner and winner of an Academy Award. Subsequently, he traveled among Native communities participating in celebrations and healing rituals. However, this fame did not prevent his involvement in abuse cases that profoundly affected his victims and their communities.
One victim, Sierra Bigay, spoke about the health complications she suffered following the assault, affirming her determination to reclaim her life and continue fighting for a better future.
Judge Peterson stated during sentencing: "You exploited the trust and spirituality of these women, manipulating them to satisfy your personal desires," emphasizing that the life sentence reflects the gravity of the crimes committed.
This news has been reissued based on a report published by variety.com, maintaining the core facts presented in the original source.