Nathan Chasing Horse’s Appeal Denied by Nevada Supreme Court

The Nevada Supreme Court has denied a second appeal from Nathan Chasing Horse, the actor known for his role in “Dances with Wolves.” Chasing Horse is facing 18 counts in Clark County District Court related to the alleged sexual abuse of two women, one of whom said the abuse began when she was underage.

Details of the Case:

• Chasing Horse was indicted on 19 counts in February 2022, including sexual assault against a minor under 16, sexual assault, open and gross lewdness, first-degree kidnapping of a minor, and trafficking in a controlled substance. One drug charge was later dropped.
• Las Vegas Metro police executed a search warrant at his North Las Vegas home, where he lived with several women referred to as his wives.
• Similar allegations have been made previously against Chasing Horse but did not result in an arrest.

Appeal and Court Proceedings:

• Chasing Horse filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, seeking to have the charges against him dropped. Oral arguments were heard on November 15.
• Justices Patricia Lee and Ron Parraguirre stated in their order dated December 14 that they were not satisfied that entertaining the writ was warranted. They declined to exercise their original jurisdiction without deciding upon the merits of the claims raised in the petition.
• Justice Douglas Herndon dissented from the decision.
• Chasing Horse is accused of victimizing indigenous underage girls and women for nearly two decades, claiming he was a spiritual leader and “Medicine Man.”

Defense Arguments:

• Chasing Horse pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers argued that the sexual encounters were consensual.
• Public defender Kristy Holston argued that the indictment was an overreach and that some evidence presented to the grand jury had tainted the state’s case.

Background of Nathan Chasing Horse:

• Chasing Horse is known for his portrayal of Smiles a Lot in the 1990 film “Dances with Wolves.”
• He has been in custody since his arrest in January near his North Las Vegas home, which he shared with five wives.

This decision by the Nevada Supreme Court allows prosecutors to proceed with their criminal case against Chasing Horse after months of delayed proceedings. The complexity and severity of the charges highlight the ongoing legal challenges and the sensitive nature of cases involving alleged sexual abuse and exploitation.