Ex-actor Nathan Chasing Horse jailed for at least 37 years for sexual assault

April 28, 2026

Nathan Chasing Horse, a 49-year-old former actor who appeared in the film Dances With Wolves, has received a prison sentence of at least 37 years after being found guilty of sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls. The defendant, who presented himself as a medicine man to Indigenous communities throughout the United States and Canada, was convicted on 13 charges involving three victims, including one whose abuse started when she was just 14 years old. Prosecutors argued that Chasing Horse exploited his reputation as a spiritual leader over nearly two decades, manipulating vulnerable women who sought his guidance for ceremonies or healing.

Who is affected

Nathan Chasing Horse (the convicted defendant)
Three women who testified as victims of sexual assault
Corena Leone-LaCroix (who was 14 when abuse began and came forward publicly)
Indigenous tribes across the US and Canada (whose members attended his ceremonies or sought his help)
Families of the victims

What action is being taken

Chasing Horse is serving a prison sentence of at least 37 years
He will be eligible for parole after serving 37 years

Why it matters

This case is significant because it exposes the abuse of spiritual authority within Indigenous communities, where a person presenting as a medicine man exploited his trusted position to prey on vulnerable women and girls seeking ceremonial guidance or medical help. The case highlights the manipulation of cultural and spiritual beliefs to facilitate sexual abuse over nearly two decades, and the conviction represents accountability for exploiting one's reputation as a spiritual leader to harm community members.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC