Nathan Chasing Horse was sentenced to life in prison on Monday after he was convicted of sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls.
The Dances With Wolves actor, 49, was found guilty of 13 of the 21 charges against him in January, mostly related to the sexual assault of three women, one of whom was 14 when the assaults began.
Following an 11-day trial that detailed his treatment of multiple victims, a jury convicted him of multiple charges, including sexual assault with a minor, possession of visual presentation depicting sexual conduct of a child, and related offenses.
At the sentencing hearing, accusers and their families told Judge Jessica Peterson they continue to suffer from the trauma caused by the former actor, and struggle with their faith after he exploited his position as a spiritual leader.
© TNSHe denied the allegations, calling the verdict a "miscarriage of justice" after the judge sentenced him to 37 years to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after serving a minimum of 25 years, according to KTNV.
"You preyed on these women's trusts and their spirituality, and you manipulated them for your own personal gratification," she said before she announced his sentence.
© TNS"For decades, victims of Nathan Chasing Horse came forward and they were ignored," Chief Deputy District Attorney William Rowles said. "I hope this verdict gives them some peace."
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said in a statement: "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.
"Our thoughts are with those who endured harm and shared their experiences so that these crimes could be brought to justice. We thank the jurors for their service and everyone who helped secure this outcome."
© TNSChasing Horse was first arrested and indicted in 2023 after Las Vegas police executed a search warrant at his home after opening an investigation in October 2022 following a tip.
Law enforcement in other states and Canada followed up with more criminal charges, which are still pending.
The British Columbia Prosecution Service said Chasing Horse was charged with sexual assault in February 2023, though the date of the alleged offense took place in September 2018 near Keremeos, a village about four hours east of Vancouver.
In November 2023, the case paused due to his charges in the United States but resumed the following year.
© TNSDamienne Darby, communications counsel for the British Columbia Prosecution Service, said they will assess next steps once all of Chasing Horse's appeals have been exhausted.
The Tsuut'ina Nation police service in Alberta, Canada, also revealed that a warrant for Chasing Horse remains outstanding in connection with a separate case.
