Nathan Chasing Horse, known for his role in “Dances with Wolves,” is facing serious legal troubles. He is accused of sexual abuse and has pleaded not guilty to 21 charges. These include allegations of assaulting women and girls and filming an act with a girl under 14 years old. Prosecutors argue he exploited his position as a self-proclaimed spiritual leader to manipulate Native American women and girls over the past two decades.
During a recent court session in Las Vegas, Chasing Horse disrupted proceedings, insisting he wanted to change his lawyer just a week before his trial. He claimed his defense attorney, Craig Mueller, hadn’t visited him and hadn’t filed necessary paperwork on time. But Mueller assured the court that Chasing Horse was prepared for trial.
Born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, Chasing Horse portrayed the character Smiles A Lot in the famous 1990 film. After his acting career, he began presenting himself as a healer, traveling North America for ceremonies. At the time of his arrest, he was reportedly living in North Las Vegas with five wives.
One of the alleged victims, Janessa Lambert, detailed her experience, saying Chasing Horse assaulted her in 2018. After initially feeling discouraged, she reported the incident to the police in 2022, only to face skepticism from officers. Despite the difficulties, she felt proud for coming forward.
This case has resonated deeply within Native communities, highlighting significant issues of trust and safety. In 2024, the Nevada Supreme Court dismissed the original indictment, stating prosecutors mishandled the grand jury process. However, they later refiled charges against Chasing Horse.
Experts emphasize the importance of awareness and support for potential victims. Cases like this highlight the need to empower individuals to speak out and seek help. As we approach the trial, many are watching closely to see how the legal system addresses such serious allegations.
The trial is scheduled to last three weeks, starting next Monday. The broader implications of the case may lead to discussions not just about justice but also about reforming processes around sexual abuse accusations, particularly within vulnerable communities.
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Sexual Abuse, Nevada
