‘Dances with Wolves’ Actor Disrupts Court Week Before Sex Abuse Trial
Nathan Chasing Horse — an actor best known for his role Smiles A Lot in the 1990 Oscar‑winning film Dances with Wolves — was temporarily removed from a Las Vegas courtroom this week after disrupting proceedings just one week before his scheduled sex abuse trial.
The incident occurred on Monday, January 5, 2026, when Chasing Horse attempted to fire his current defense attorney, Craig Mueller, and replace him with a former public defender. The judge, Jessica Peterson, refused the request and ordered him removed from the courtroom after he repeatedly tried to talk over her. Despite the disruption, she confirmed that the jury trial will start next week as planned.
Chasing Horse has pleaded not guilty to a 21‑count indictment alleging decades of sexual abuse and exploitation, including accusations that he sexually assaulted women and girls — and filmed himself abusing a child younger than 14 years old. Prosecutors say he leveraged his reputation as a spiritual leader or healer to target victims, particularly within Native American communities, over a period of more than two decades.
The charges stem from a sprawling case that has drawn national attention not only because of Chasing Horse’s Hollywood connection but also due to the seriousness and alleged duration of the misconduct. Prosecutors allege that after his early acting career, Chasing Horse promoted himself as a Lakota medicine man, traveling across North America performing ceremonies and gaining the trust of Indigenous women and girls — a position he then purportedly exploited.
According to court records and reporting, Chasing Horse was living in North Las Vegas with five wives at the time of his 2023 arrest. Law enforcement described a lifestyle involving a self‑styled community known as “The Circle,” whose followers believed he could communicate with spirits. These allegations are part of broader accusations that he used his status to isolate, manipulate, and sexually exploit vulnerable individuals.
The legal history of the case has been complicated. An earlier indictment in Nevada was dismissed by the Nevada Supreme Court in 2024 after the court found prosecutors had improperly presented evidence to a grand jury without expert testimony on grooming. However, that dismissal was without prejudice, meaning prosecutors were permitted to refile charges — which they did later that year, resulting in the current 21‑count indictment.
Chasing Horse’s removal from court this week reflects tensions between the defendant and his legal team, and it highlights the intense stakes of the upcoming trial. His defense has argued that his attorney did not visit him sufficiently before the hearing and that crucial motions were not filed on time; Chasing Horse tried to argue for a lawyer who previously represented him, but the judge refused.
Beyond this Nevada case, Chasing Horse also faces multiple related charges in other jurisdictions, including allegations of sexual assault and exploitation in Canada, where authorities have filed additional counts. In Alberta, for example, he is charged with several counts of sexual assault and sexual exploitation of Indigenous women and girls, adding to the multi‑jurisdiction legal battles he faces.
The trial in Las Vegas is expected to span three weeks, during which prosecutors will present evidence, testimonies, and documentation they say link Chasing Horse to the alleged abuses. Given the severity of the charges — including allegations involving minors — the case has drawn attention from child protection advocates, tribal leaders, and public figures concerned about exploitation and harm within vulnerable communities.
As the trial approaches, court watchers and observers of Hollywood‑related legal controversies alike are monitoring developments closely. The case is significant not only for its criminal allegations but also for how it intersects with questions about celebrity, cultural influence, historical trauma, and accountability.
Why It Matters
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High‑profile case with serious allegations: Involves claims of sexual abuse, exploitation, and abuse of authority over vulnerable individuals spanning decades.
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Cultural and community impact: Many charges relate to alleged exploitation within Native American communities, raising concerns about spiritual authority misuse.
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Legal complexity: An earlier indictment was dismissed on procedural grounds, illustrating challenges in prosecuting long‑running abuse cases.
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Courtroom dynamics: The defendant’s attempt to change counsel close to trial highlights pre‑trial tensions that could influence proceedings.
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Multi‑jurisdiction implications: Separate charges in Canada and other U.S. jurisdictions expand the legal scope and potential consequences.
⚖️ Key Legal Outcomes
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Judge upheld trial schedule: The judge refused to change his counsel and confirmed the trial will start as scheduled.
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21‑count indictment in Nevada: Chasing Horse faces serious charges including sexual assault and child abuse.
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Earlier indictment dismissed and refiled: Nevada Supreme Court’s earlier procedural ruling led to dismissal but allowed re‑indictment.
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Multi‑jurisdiction cases: Additional charges are pending in Canada and potentially elsewhere.
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Defense‑related motion denied: The court rejected Chasing Horse’s request for a different attorney close to trial.
