Nevada Supreme Court dismisses Chasing Horse sex abuse case, charges may return

The Nevada Supreme Court has dismissed an extensive sex abuse indictment against Nathan Chasing Horse, a former actor known for his role in 'Dances with Wolves.' This decision, issued on a Thursday, allows for the possibility of the charges being refiled. The court's ruling comes after more than a year of legal challenges, during which Chasing Horse's defense argued that the grand jury was misled by the prosecution's presentation of evidence and definitions without expert testimony. The court identified two critical errors that undermined the integrity of the grand jury proceedings. These included the introduction of a definition of grooming without expert input and the omission of evidence that could have raised doubts about the allegations, particularly regarding inconsistent statements from one of the victims. The court's order emphasized the importance of maintaining the independent function of the grand jury process. Despite the dismissal, the District Attorney's office remains determined to pursue justice for the victims. Wolfson characterized the court's decision as a minor setback and expressed a commitment to resurrecting the charges. Chasing Horse, who has pleaded not guilty, has been in custody since his arrest in January and faces additional charges in various jurisdictions, complicating his legal situation. Chasing Horse is accused of exploiting his position as a self-proclaimed medicine man to gain access to vulnerable individuals, leading to serious allegations of sexual assault and child abuse. The case has drawn significant attention and concern within Indian Country, highlighting broader issues of abuse and exploitation.