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Sex Abuse Trial for ‘Dances with Wolves’ Actor Nathan Chasing Horse Delayed Again in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS – The sex abuse trial of Nathan Chasing Horse, known for his role in “Dances with Wolves,” has been postponed once more in Nevada. The court proceedings, held in Las Vegas, have been rescheduled to a later date.
New Trial Date Set for August in State Court
A judge in state court in Las Vegas on Monday rescheduled the commencement of the trial to August 4. The 48-year-old defendant was initially slated to stand trial next week on accusations of sexually abusing Indigenous women and girls over an extended period in the Las Vegas vicinity.
Defense Attorney Cites Need for Additional Preparation Time
Craig Mueller, Chasing Horse’s legal representative, stated in a motion submitted on Friday that he requires further time to adequately prepare and conduct interviews with potential witnesses. This delay represents the latest in a series of postponements since Chasing Horse’s initial arrest and indictment in early 2023.
Chasing Horse Facing Multiple Felony Charges
Chasing Horse has entered a plea of not guilty to 21 felony charges. These charges include sexual assault of a minor under the age of 16, kidnapping, and the production and possession of materials depicting child sexual abuse. If convicted on the sexual assault charges, he could potentially face a sentence ranging from decades to life imprisonment.
Background: From ‘Dances with Wolves’ to Self-Proclaimed Medicine Man
Following his portrayal of Smiles A Lot in the acclaimed 1990 Oscar-winning film “Dances with Wolves,” Chasing Horse reportedly began to promote himself as a Lakota medicine man. According to authorities, he traveled throughout North America conducting purported healing ceremonies. He was born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, the homeland of the Sicangu Sioux, one of the seven tribes constituting the Lakota nation.
Prosecutors Allege Exploitation of Vulnerable Victims
Prosecutors contend that Chasing Horse utilized his self-proclaimed position to gain access to