Former Child Actor Nathan Chasing Horse Sentenced to Life for Sexual Assault

Nathan Chasing Horse, known for his role as a child actor in the film 'Dances with Wolves,' has been sentenced to life imprisonment for sexual assault charges.

According to reports from AP News and other outlets on the 27th, a Nevada court sentenced Chasing Horse for sexually assaulting Native American women, including a 14-year-old minor. The court stated that he would be eligible for parole consideration only after serving a minimum of 37 years.

During the trial, victims testified that Chasing Horse exploited his status as a spiritual leader to coerce them into sexual acts. One victim lamented, "I lost my chance at a normal life forever since I was 14," while families reported severe trauma.

Judge Jessica Peterson remarked, "The defendant used their trust and spirituality to fulfill his desires." However, Chasing Horse denied the charges, claiming it was a "failure of justice."

Prosecutors revealed that Chasing Horse had been operating as a healer and spiritual leader for nearly 20 years, using this role to target Native women and girls. Some victims sought him for healing but ended up being victimized. He is also facing separate sexual assault charges in Canada.

Reported by Seyoon Jung, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr