A Hollywood child star turned self-proclaimed medicine man orchestrated a decades-long sexual abuse scheme masked as Native American spiritual healing, and his desperate courtroom antics suggest he knows his time has run out.
Story Snapshot
- Nathan Chasing Horse disrupted his Las Vegas court hearing one week before trial, demanding to fire his attorney in what appears to be a delay tactic
- The former “Dances with Wolves” child actor faces 21 counts including sexual assault of women and girls, with one victim allegedly assaulted at age 13
- Prosecutors claim he used his status as a traveling Lakota medicine man to lead “The Circle” cult and groom victims across multiple states for over 20 years
- His trial begins January 12, 2026, despite his courtroom outburst and removal by the judge
From Child Actor to Predatory Cult Leader
Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse captured hearts in 1990 as “Smiles a Lot” in Kevin Costner’s Academy Award-winning film “Dances with Wolves.” Born on South Dakota’s Rosebud Indian Reservation, the young Sicangu Lakota actor seemed destined for a meaningful career bridging Hollywood and Native American representation. Instead, he weaponized his fame and cultural identity to build a predatory empire spanning decades.
After roles in several other productions including “Dreamkeeper” and “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee,” Chasing Horse reinvented himself as a traveling medicine man. He performed healing ceremonies across tribal communities in the U.S. and Canada, building a devoted following who believed he possessed genuine spiritual powers. What they didn’t know was that he was systematically identifying and grooming vulnerable Native women and girls seeking healing.
The Circle of Abuse
Prosecutors paint a disturbing picture of systematic exploitation disguised as traditional spiritual practice. Beginning in the early 2000s, Chasing Horse allegedly used his revered status to lure victims across Nevada, Montana, and South Dakota under the guise of “traditional practices.” He led a cult called “The Circle,” where followers believed he could communicate with spirits and prepared for an armed standoff or mass suicide.
The investigation began in October 2022 after authorities received a tip. A SWAT team raid on his North Las Vegas home in January 2023 uncovered firearms and evidence of the cult’s operations. Chasing Horse shared the residence with five wives, a living arrangement that should have raised red flags about his interpretation of traditional practices. At least six documented abuse claims emerged, with one victim detailing how he systematically lured girls across state lines.
Legal Maneuvering and Courtroom Chaos
The path to trial has been anything but smooth. Initially facing 18 Nevada counts including sexual assault of a minor, kidnapping, and lewdness, plus federal child exploitation charges, Chasing Horse appeared to catch a break in 2024. The Nevada Supreme Court dismissed the indictment due to prosecutorial error regarding grooming definitions without proper expert testimony. However, prosecutors quickly refiled with an expanded 21-count indictment.
His January 5, 2026 courtroom disruption reveals the desperation of a man facing overwhelming evidence. Speaking over Judge Jessica Peterson and demanding to fire defense attorney Craig Mueller just one week before trial reeks of calculated delay tactics. Peterson saw through the theatrics, ordering him removed and confirming the January 12 trial date would stand. Mueller confirmed his preparedness despite his client’s public complaints about lack of visits and timely filings.
Justice for Forgotten Victims
The case represents more than just another celebrity downfall. It highlights how predators exploit positions of spiritual authority within vulnerable communities. Native American women face disproportionately high rates of sexual violence, making Chasing Horse’s alleged crimes particularly heinous. His victims trusted him as a healer and spiritual guide, only to become prey in his twisted interpretation of traditional practices.
The Indigenous community, often referred to as “Indian Country,” has been shaken by allegations against someone they revered. The betrayal cuts deep when someone who should have been protecting and preserving sacred traditions instead corrupted them for personal gratification. Even his daughter, model Quannah Chasinghorse, faces indirect impact from her father’s alleged crimes despite having no involvement in them.
Sources:
Wikipedia – Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse
ABC News – Alleged victim of Nathan Chasing Horse sexual assault details
Apple TV – Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse
