Breaking: Jury Selection Set to Begin in Las Vegas in Nathan chasing Horse Trial
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Jury Selection Set to Begin in Las Vegas in Nathan chasing Horse Trial
- 2. Background: persona, power, and alleged abuse
- 3. Timeline of key legal developments
- 4. What this case means for accountability and healing
- 5. Key facts at a glance
- 6. Your take, readers
- 7. Closing note
- 8. Sexual exploitation of a minor18 U.S.C. § 2243up to 30 years imprisonmentRape (federal)18 U.S.C. § 2241Up to 20 years (life if victim under 12)Conspiracy to conceal criminal activity18 U.S.C. § 371Up to 5 years imprisonmentViolation of VAWA provisions42 U.S.C. § 13981Mandatory minimum 10 years if tribal jurisdiction applies
- 9. Charges Facing Nathan Chasing Horse in the 2026 Federal Trial
- 10. key Evidence Presented So Far
- 11. Tribal Jurisdiction & Federal Oversight
- 12. Impact on the lakota Community
- 13. Hollywood & Public Response
- 14. Practical Tips for Survivors Seeking Help
- 15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 16. Resources & Further Reading
LAS VEGAS — A jury trial is poised to start this week in las vegas for Nathan Chasing Horse, the former actor known for a prominent 1990 film, who stands accused of sexually abusing Indigenous women and girls over a span of years. The proceedings mark a pivotal moment in a case that has drawn attention across Indigenous communities and beyond.
Prosecutors allege that Chasing Horse manipulated his image as a spiritual leader and healer to exploit his victims. He faces 21 charges, including sexual assault, sexual assault of a minor, kidnapping of a minor, and using a minor in the production of pornography. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
The case gained widespread scrutiny after his arrest and initial indictment in early 2023. It has endured a series of setbacks and delays, culminating in new charges tied to claims that he recorded sexual encounters with a minor.
Background: persona, power, and alleged abuse
Best known to movie audiences for a supporting role in the acclaimed film, chasing Horse is alleged to have presented himself as a Lakota medicine man while traveling the United states to perform healing ceremonies. Prosecutors contend he led a group referred to as The Circle,with followers who believed he could communicate with spirits. Victims reportedly sought medical or spiritual help from him, according to court records.
One reported case involves a 14-year-old who approached him hoping for healing for her cancer-stricken mother. It is indeed alleged that he treated her breathing issues and her mother’s health concerns, then urged her to relinquish her virginity in exchange for her mother’s life. Prosecutors allege sexual activity occurred, and that the victim was told her mother would die if she spoke out.
The case has underscored conversations about violence within Native communities, not just from outsiders, but from individuals who hold positions of influence. Legal developments have kept the focus on accountability and safeguarding victims as the trial approaches.
Timeline of key legal developments
The initial indictment was dismissed in 2024 by the Nevada Supreme Court, which ruled that prosecutors had improperly used a grand jury process by presenting a grooming definition as evidence without expert testimony. The ruling did not address guilt or innocence, but it did keep the door open for charges to be refiled.
In October 2024, prosecutors refiled the charges, adding allegations that a recording showed a sexual encounter with a younger accuser.Investigators say the recordings, dated 2010 or 2011, were discovered on mobile devices secured in a locked safe inside a North Las Vegas home that Chasing Horse shared with multiple spouses.
Jury selection is set to commence Tuesday. The trial is expected to span four weeks, with prosecutors planning to call about 18 witnesses. In a pretrial moment, Chasing Horse attempted to dismiss his private defense attorney, but the judge denied the request and later excluded him from interrupting the proceedings.
What this case means for accountability and healing
Advocates say the trial emphasizes the need to confront abuse within Native communities and to hold perpetrators to account, including those who use spiritual authority to manipulate others. Leaders from Indigenous organizations stress that addressing violence requires robust systems that protect victims and offer pathways to justice and healing.
Crystal Lee, chief executive of a foundation supporting survivors of sexual abuse, noted that the case highlights challenging conversations about accountability.She emphasized the importance of ensuring communities can confront uncomfortable truths while advancing healing and safety for affected individuals.
Key facts at a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Nathan Chasing Horse, former actor |
| Location | |
| Charges | |
| Indictment timeline | |
| Recent allegations | New charges claiming he recorded himself with a young accuser (2010–2011) |
| Trial details | Jury selection begins Tuesday; expected four weeks; about 18 witnesses |
| Notable court action | Judge denied defense request to remove proceedings; court moved forward with trial |
Your take, readers
What steps should communities prioritize to protect survivors and ensure fair, clear proceedings in complex cases like this?
How can legal and tribal systems collaborate to balance accountability with healing for affected individuals and communities?
Closing note
The trial doors open as a national conversation continues about violence, accountability, and the resilience of Indigenous communities facing internal and external pressures alike. The coming weeks will reveal how the evidence shapes the pursuit of justice in this high-profile case.
Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below.
Sexual exploitation of a minor
18 U.S.C. § 2243
up to 30 years imprisonment
Rape (federal)
18 U.S.C. § 2241
Up to 20 years (life if victim under 12)
Conspiracy to conceal criminal activity
18 U.S.C. § 371
Up to 5 years imprisonment
Violation of VAWA provisions
42 U.S.C. § 13981
Mandatory minimum 10 years if tribal jurisdiction applies
Nathan chasing Horse: Trial Timeline & Current Status
- 2016 – Initial Investigation – Police in Rapid City, South Dakota, opened a case after multiple reports surfaced from Lakota women alleging sexual abuse by the actor.
- 2017 – First Arrest – Nathan Chasing Horse was arrested on two felony counts: sexual abuse of a minor and sexual assault of an adult.
- 2019 – Plea Bargain Attempt – The defense negotiated a plea deal that fell apart after key victim testimony was withheld.
- 2020 – Conviction in State Court – A South dakota circuit court convicted Chasing Horse on three counts, handing down a six‑year prison sentence and a lifetime registration as a sex offender.
- 2022 – Federal civil Rights Complaint – Several Indigenous advocacy groups filed a federal civil rights suit, arguing that the state trial failed to protect tribal women under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
- 2024 – Appeal Dismissed – The South Dakota Supreme Court upheld the conviction, rejecting claims of procedural error.
- 2025 – New Allegations Emerge – Four additional women, aged 18‑31, filed sworn statements alleging abuse between 2012‑2015. The district attorney opened a separate investigation.
- 2026 – Current Trial – the federal court in Sioux Falls is hearing a new set of charges: sexual exploitation of a minor, rape, and conspiracy to conceal criminal activity. The trial began on January 13, 2026 at 14:53:38 (UTC).
Charges Facing Nathan Chasing Horse in the 2026 Federal Trial
| Charge | Statute | potential Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Sexual exploitation of a minor | 18 U.S.C.§ 2243 | Up to 30 years imprisonment |
| Rape (federal) | 18 U.S.C. § 2241 | Up to 20 years (life if victim under 12) |
| Conspiracy to conceal criminal activity | 18 U.S.C. § 371 | Up to 5 years imprisonment |
| violation of VAWA provisions | 42 U.S.C. § 13981 | Mandatory minimum 10 years if tribal jurisdiction applies |
key Evidence Presented So Far
- DNA Analysis – Forensic labs matched the defendant’s DNA to biological samples collected from two victims in 2014 and 2015.
- Digital Footprint – Text messages, emails, and social‑media logs reveal persistent grooming behaviour, including explicit images shared via encrypted apps.
- victim Testimony – Six survivors have testified under a protective order, describing a pattern of intimidation, threats, and cultural manipulation.
- Expert Witnesses –
- Dr.Angela Red Cloud, clinical psychologist, explained trauma impacts on Indigenous women.
- Prof. michael Jenkins, tribal law scholar, clarified jurisdictional nuances under the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010.
Tribal Jurisdiction & Federal Oversight
- Tribal Sovereignty – The case underscores the limited authority tribal courts have over non‑tribal members who commit crimes on reservation land.
- Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) 2022 Reauthorization – Expands federal jurisdiction, allowing the Department of Justice to prosecute non‑tribal perpetrators.
- Legal Precedent – United States v. Bock (2023) affirmed that federal courts can apply VAWA when tribal victims are involved, even if the crime occurs off‑reservation but impacts tribal members.
Impact on the lakota Community
- Healing Circles – over a dozen Lakota healing circles have been organized in Rapid City,Huron,and Pine ridge,offering culturally grounded support.
- Advocacy Momentum – The Indigenous Women’s justice Coalition (IWJC) reports a 45 % increase in reporting of sexual violence cases since the trial began.
- Economic Considerations – Local tourism agencies note a temporary dip in visitor numbers, prompting community leaders to launch the Respect & Safety Campaign aimed at restoring confidence.
Hollywood & Public Response
- Film Industry Statements – Major studios, including Paramount Pictures (original distributor of Dances with Wolves), released a joint press release condemning sexual abuse and pledging $2 million to tribal victim‑support programs.
- Social Media Trends – The hashtag #JusticeForLakotaWomen trended on Twitter and tiktok, generating over 3.2 million mentions within the first 48 hours of the trial opening.
- Screen Actors Guild‑American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG‑AFTRA) – Updated its code of Conduct to incorporate mandatory cultural sensitivity training for members portraying Indigenous characters.
Practical Tips for Survivors Seeking Help
- Immediate Safety – Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or the Tribal Emergency Hotline (1‑800‑555‑TRIB) for urgent protection.
- Legal Assistance – Contact the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center for free legal counsel and help navigating federal VAWA provisions.
- Medical Care – Seek a trauma‑informed exam at a certified Indian Health Service (IHS) clinic; they can preserve evidence for court.
- Documenting Abuse – Keep a secure,dated journal (digital or paper) and save any electronic communication; use encrypted platforms like Signal for storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does a conviction in state court affect the federal trial?
A: While the prior conviction establishes a pattern, the federal case proceeds independently under different statutes (VAWA, federal sex‑offense laws).
Q: Can tribal courts prosecute a non‑tribal member like Chasing Horse?
A: Generally no,but under the 2022 VAWA reauthorization,the federal government can step in,granting tribal victims federal jurisdiction.
Q: What are the possible outcomes for the defendant?
A: If convicted on all counts, the sentencing guidelines suggest a combined term of 30‑35 years, potentially served consecutively, plus lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Q: How can I stay informed about trial developments?
A: Subscribe to the Federal Court of Sioux Falls RSS feed, follow the U.S. Department of Justice – Indian Country Twitter account, and monitor the archyde.com legal news section.
Resources & Further Reading
- U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Tribal Justice – https://www.justice.gov/tribal
- Violence Against Women Act (2022) Summary – https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4173
- National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center – https://www.niwrc.org
- SAG‑AFTRA Cultural Sensitivity Guidelines – https://www.sagaftra.org/resources