LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — After several delays, Nathan Chasing Horse returned to a Downtown Las Vegas courtroom on Monday to receive his prison sentence in his sexual abuse case.
A judge sentenced Chasing Horse to 37 years to life in prison.
In January, a Clark County jury found Chasing Horse guilty on 13 of the 21 counts filed against him, including multiple counts of sex assault with a minor under 16.
He was acquitted on the other eight charges. He has denied all of the allegations.
Prosecutors alleged Chasing Horse, known for his role as Smiles A Lot in the film “Dances With Wolves,” used his role as a self-professed medicine man to lead a cult and sexually abuse women and children.
Sentencing has been pushed back as Chasing Horse’s attorney, Craig Mueller, sought to vacate the guilty verdict. He said that two of the victims who testified at trial applied for compensation from the Nevada Victims of Crime program. He questioned one application granted for $5,000 and argued it amounted to a bribe for testimony.
Judge Jessica Peterson ruled against Mueller’s motion after prosecutors said the funds, which hadn’t been paid out, were to cover any costs related to treatment not covered by the victim’s insurance.
Outside of Nevada, Chasing Horse also faces warrants for alleged crimes in Montana and Canada.
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