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Dances with Wolves actor 'ran sex cult exploiting young indigenous girls', arrest warrant claims

Nathan Chasing Horse in 2011 - Denver Post
Nathan Chasing Horse in 2011 - Denver Post

Nathan Chasing Horse, the former actor and alleged cult leader, has been arrested over accusations he sexually assaulted multiple young indigenous girls over the past two decades.

Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse, who goes by Nathan Chasing Horse, is believed to have used his position as the leader of a healing cult known as The Circle to abuse the alleged victims.

According to the Associated Press, the former actor was taken into custody near his North Las Vegas home that he reportedly shares with his five wives following a months-long investigation.

“Nathan Chasing Horse used spiritual traditions and their belief system as a tool to sexually assault young girls on numerous occasions,” a warrant obtained by the Associated Press says, adding that his followers believed he could communicate with higher beings and referred to him as “Medicine Man” or “Holy Person”.

The former actor, best known for his role as the young Sioux tribe member 'Smiles a Lot' in Dances with Wolves, had gained a reputation among tribes across the United States and in Canada as a so-called medicine man who performed healing ceremonies and spiritual gatherings.

Las Vegas police work near the home of former actor Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse - AP
Las Vegas police work near the home of former actor Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse - AP

Las Vegas police have identified at least six alleged victims - some reportedly as young as 13 - and uncovered sexual allegations against Chasing Horse in multiple states including Montana, South Dakota and Nevada, where he has lived for about a decade.

The allegations date back to the early 2000s.

There was no lawyer listed in court records for Chasing Horse, who could comment on his behalf as of Tuesday evening.

According to the warrant, he was banished in 2015 from the Fort Peck Reservation in Poplar, Montana, amid allegations of human trafficking.

Chasing Horse is also accused of recording sexual assaults and arranging sex with the victims for other men who allegedly paid him.

He was born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, which is home to the Sicangu Sioux, one of the seven tribes of the Lakota nation.

His arrest comes as state attorneys general and lawmakers around the US are looking into creating specialised units to handle cases involving Native women.