“Actor Nathan Chasing Horse Ejected from Court Pre-Trial in Las Vegas”

Actor Nathan Chasing Horse, famed for his role in “Dances with Wolves,” faced expulsion from court during a pre-trial hearing in Las Vegas. The incident occurred when he disrupted the proceedings by demanding to replace his attorney just a week before his trial is set to begin.

Nathan Chasing Horse’s Court Disruption

Judge Jessica Peterson instructed that the jury trial would continue as planned. Chasing Horse currently faces 21 charges, including sexual assault against women and minors. He has pleaded not guilty to these allegations, which include claims that he filmed himself abusing a girl under the age of 14.

Details of the Allegations

• Prosecutors assert that Chasing Horse leveraged his status as a spiritual leader to exploit Native American women and girls over two decades.
• During the court session, Chasing Horse argued that his attorney, Craig Mueller, had failed to meet with him and file necessary motions on time.
• He requested that a prior public defender represent him instead.

Mueller, a private defense attorney, maintained that Chasing Horse was prepared for trial. He informed the court that an investigator had visited his client, but he refrained from further comments to the media.

Background Information

Nathan Chasing Horse, originally from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, is a member of the Sicangu Sioux tribe. He gained notoriety for his portrayal of Smiles A Lot in the critically acclaimed film released in 1990. Following his rise to fame, he promoted himself as a Lakota medicine man and held healing ceremonies across North America.

Incidents Leading to Arrest

In 2023, Chasing Horse was residing in North Las Vegas with five wives when he was arrested on multiple charges. One of his alleged victims, Janessa Lambert, claimed he assaulted her in British Columbia in 2018 after their breakup. She reported her experience to the police in 2022, although initially met with skepticism.

Legal Proceedings

The case has prompted a significant response within Indian Country due to the serious nature of the charges against Chasing Horse. In 2024, the Nevada Supreme Court dismissed an early indictment due to procedural errors but allowed for new charges to be filed. Consequently, a subsequent indictment emerged later in 2024.

Prosecutors contend that Chasing Horse led a cult-like group called The Circle, with followers who believed he could communicate with spirits. His trial is expected to span approximately three weeks, starting next Monday.