Actor Nathan Chasing Horse faces trial on multiple sexual assault charges

Jury selection opened Jan. 13 in Las Vegas for Nathan Chasing Horse, the actor known for a role in Dances with Wolves, who faces 21 criminal counts including sexual assault, sexual assault with a minor, first-degree kidnapping of a minor, and use of a minor in producing pornography. Prosecutors say Chasing Horse used his reputation as a spiritual leader and healer to groom and sexually exploit Indigenous women and girls over roughly two decades, organizing a group called The Circle and abusing people who sought his help.

The current charges were refiled in October 2024 after the Nevada Supreme Court dismissed the original indictment in 2024 because of prosecutorial error. New allegations added to the refiled case include recorded abuse of a girl younger than 14. Prosecutors indicated they may call as many as 18 witnesses and estimated the trial could last about four weeks.

Courtroom activity has already drawn attention. Reports from early proceedings note Chasing Horse sought to replace his counsel and was removed from the courtroom at times after interrupting the judge. Those actions set an immediate tone for a trial that will hinge on witness testimony, documentary and digital evidence, and how the court handles sensitive material involving minors and survivors.

This case resonates deeply in conversations about abuse of spiritual authority and the barriers survivors face in Native communities. The allegations describe grooming tied to trust in a public figure who presented himself as a healer. For survivors and community members tracking accountability, the trial raises questions about how cultural and institutional dynamics intersect with criminal prosecution, how evidence such as recordings will be admitted and authenticated, and how victim privacy will be protected during testimony.

Practical details to watch in coming weeks include the composition of the jury, the scope of witness testimony, and whether prosecutors introduce recorded material alleging abuse of a minor. Procedural history matters here: the reversal by the Nevada Supreme Court demonstrates how prosecutorial missteps can delay or complicate long-running investigations, while refiling shows prosecutors’ commitment to pursue the allegations despite earlier errors.

For readers invested in justice and survivor safety, this trial will offer insight into how courts handle allegations involving spiritual leaders and tightly knit communities. Expect close attention to chain of custody for digital evidence, survivor-centered courtroom practices, and how tribal and nontribal systems interact around jurisdiction and support for victims. The coming weeks will show whether the evidence meets the high threshold for conviction and what precedents the case may set for accountability in similar abuse cases.