Nathan Chasing Horse Sentenced: ‘Dances With Wolves' Actor Gets Life in Prison for Sexual Assault
Nathan Chasing Horse, once celebrated for his role as the Lakota "Smiles a Lot" in the Oscar-winning film Dances With Wolves, will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars. In a packed Las Vegas courtroom on Monday, Judge Jessica Peterson sentenced the 49-year-old to 37 years to life in prison, bringing a definitive end to a trial that exposed decades of systemic exploitation.
The sentencing follows a January verdict where a jury found Chasing Horse guilty of 13 of the 21 charges against him, including 10 counts of sexual assault of a minor under 16.
Weaponizing Spiritual Authority
Throughout the 11-day trial, prosecutors painted a chilling portrait of a man who weaponized his cultural heritage for predatory gain. Born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, Chasing Horse parlayed his Hollywood fame into a role as a "spiritual leader" within Native American communities.
Authorities argued he used this influence - often referred to as a "Medicine Man" or "Holy Person" - to gain the absolute trust of families before carrying out horrific abuse. "Today's verdict sends a clear message that exploitation and abuse will not be tolerated, regardless of the defendant's public persona or claims of spiritual authority," said Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson.
A "Miscarriage of Justice" Claim
Despite the harrowing testimony from three women who detailed their trauma on the stand, Chasing Horse remained defiant during his sentencing. Staring straight ahead as victims spoke of the lasting psychological scars he inflicted, the actor eventually addressed the court, describing the proceedings as a "miscarriage of justice" and continuing to deny all allegations.
Judge Peterson was unmoved, handing down a sentence that requires Chasing Horse to serve a minimum of 25 years before becoming eligible for parole. He received credit for the 1,184 days already served since his initial arrest in 2023.
The Global Hunt for Accountability
While the Las Vegas sentencing is a landmark moment for survivors, Chasing Horse's legal battles are far from over. He currently faces additional sex crime charges in multiple U.S. states and Canada. The Tsuut'ina Nation Police Service in Alberta, where a warrant remains active, hailed the Nevada sentence as a "significant step toward justice."
Prosecutors in British Columbia have indicated they will wait for the completion of any potential appeals in the United States before determining how to proceed with their own cases against the former actor.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 9:19 AM.