(Nathan Chasing Horse. Photo by Global News)
American actor Nathan Chasing Horse, best known for his part in Kevin Costner’s Oscar-winning picture “Dances With Wolves,” was found guilty last month of sexually abusing many Native American women and girls. A Nevada judge sentenced him to life in prison with the possibility of parole.
After an 11-day trial in January, the 49-year-old was found guilty on 13 of the 21 charges against him. In 2023, he was taken into custody by a SWAT squad and charged with child abuse or neglect, sex assault, sex assault against a minor, and adult sex trafficking at the Clark County jail.
Native American tribes around the world recognized Chasing Horse as a medicine man among the United States and Canada, as victims and their families said he used his position as a spiritual leader to exploit visitors.
“There is no way to get back the youth, the childhood loss, my first time, my first kiss, the graduation I never got to have,” stated Corena Leone-LaCroix, a victim who was 14 at the time of the abuse, according to the Associated Press. I will never be able to have the life that little child could have had.
Chasing Horse “spun a web of abuse” that trapped numerous women for nearly two decades, Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci told the jurors.
She claimed that he informed Leone-LaCroix that spirits desired for her to renounce her virginity in order to cure her mother, who was suffering from cancer.
According to testimonies from victims and their families, Chasing Horse’s activities have caused them to battle with their religion. The victims’ moms said he violated holy customs and compromised their trust.
Three women testified before the jury that Chasing Horse had sexually abused them before the punishment was carried out. After serving 37 years, he will be eligible for parole.