“Dances With Wolves” Star Sentenced to Life for Sexual Assaults

Nathan Chasing Horse, best known for portraying the Lakota character Smiles a Lot in the 1990 movie “Dances With Wolves,” was sentenced to 37 years to life in prison in Nevada after being convicted of 13 counts of sexual assault.

• Despite being convicted on multiple counts, Chasing Horse continues to deny committing sexual assault, calling the case a “miscarriage of justice.”

If you are facing criminal charges for any type of sex crime in Pennsylvania, you need a strong defense. These are serious charges that can land you in prison for decades or, as with Chasing Horse in Nevada, for life. Call us at 888.535.3686 or submit our online contact form to learn more about how we can help.

Chasing Horse Acted as a Spiritual Leader

Chasing Horse, who, after appearing in “Dances With Wolves,” traveled across North America performing healing ceremonies, was charged with 21 counts of sexual assault and found guilty of 13. Witnesses who testified at Chasing Horse’s trial said that he exploited his position as a spiritual leader to convince them to have sex with him.

One victim testified that she was 14 when Chasing Horse told her that in order to save her mother from cancer, the girl should give up her virginity to Chasing Horse. According to prosecutors, Chasing Horse continued to abuse her for years.

Chasing Horse Faces Additional Criminal Proceedings

In addition to his case in Nevada, Chasing Horse faces additional sexual assault charges in British Columbia and has active warrants in Alberta, Canada, relating to allegations of sexual assault and exploitation. British Columbia authorities indicate that they are waiting for the proceedings in Nevada to finish before assessing what steps to take next in connection with the allegations against Chasing Horse there.

In addition to the allegations in Canada, Las Vegas police documented sexual abuse allegations against Chasing Horse in Montana and South Dakota.

Sex Crime Charges are Extremely Serious

If you have been charged with any type of sex crime in Pennsylvania, you need a strong defense. These charges are always serious and can be very difficult to defend against. A conviction can lead to more than a decade-long prison sentence; it is almost certain that if you are convicted, you will have to register publicly as a sex offender for the rest of your life, no matter where in the US you live. In short, a sex crime conviction is not something you can leave behind you.

You Need a Strong Defense if You Are Charged With a Sex Crime

When you are facing allegations that can send you to prison for years or decades and require you to register publicly as a sex offender for life once you’re released, you need an experienced defense attorney who is ready to fight for your rights. The attorneys from the LLF Law Firm’s Criminal Defense Team are ready to step in and fight that fight on your behalf.

We know the laws and court procedures that apply in these cases. We also know how to make sure prosecutors don’t get away with introducing evidence that doesn’t meet the legal standards that are in place to protect the rights of defendants. And we won’t let the courts get away with steps that can hurt your right to a fair trial.

Call the LLF Law Firm’s Criminal Defense Team today at 888.535.3686, or fill out our online contact form. We will set up a confidential consultation to review your case and explain what we can do to help.