Published on: September 27, 2024, 12:20h.
Last updated on: September 27, 2024, 12:20h.
Clark County prosecutors are expected to refile charges against Nathan Chasing Horse following the dismissal of previous sex charges by the Nevada Supreme Court.
Prosecutors may seek new indictments from another grand jury as the dismissal was “without prejudice,” according to the state’s top judges.
Chasing Horse, 48, of North Las Vegas, Nev., faced 18 counts of alleged sexual abuse involving Native American girls and women.
He was originally arrested in January 2023 and remains in custody at the Clark County Detention Center.
Legal Errors
The charges against Chasing Horse were dropped by the Supreme Court due to errors by the prosecutor and judge handling the case.
The prosecutor used the term “grooming” in front of the grand jury to describe Chasing Horse’s behavior towards the victims. However, “grooming” is not a crime under state law, as explained by the judges.
Additionally, the prosecutor failed to present exculpatory evidence to the grand jury, including conflicting statements by one of the victims.
The judge also ruled against a pretrial habeas petition in the case.
The combination of these two clear errors undermines our confidence in the grand jury proceedings and created intolerable damage to the independent function of the grand jury process,” the Supreme Court said in its ruling.
Reactions to the Ruling
There has been mixed reactions to the court’s decision.
“We are disappointed with the decision, but we respect the decision of the court,” said Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson. “This shouldn’t cause too much of an interruption in our efforts to seek justice.”
Melissa Leone, the mother of Ren Leone, one of the victims, expressed her daughter’s initial disappointment but also shared her confidence in the ongoing legal process.
Another victim, Sierra Begaye, stated, “It’s been a long and challenging process but we remain hopeful and will advocate for a refile.”
Begaye’s mother, Lynette Adams, added, “While this ruling may come as a surprise, it presents a critical opportunity to reset the course of justice and ensure that their voices, and their pain, are given the careful consideration they deserve.”
Togethe, we will continue to advocate for fairness, compassion, and truth until a rightful conclusion is reached.”
Prior to this ruling, Chasing Horse faced multiple charges in Clark County and federal court, as well as in Montana and Canada.
He is best known for his role in the movie “Dances with Wolves” and his leadership of a group known as “The Circle.” Many victims regarded him as a healer.