Accused sexual predator Nathan Chasing Horse files third appeal

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Nathan Chasing Horse, the “Dances with Wolves” actor accused of victimizing indigenous underage girls and women for nearly two decades, has filed a third appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court.

He continues to fight the charges against him in his Las Vegas case, the first of several criminal cases he faces in the United States and Canada.

In the third appeal filed by Clark County public defender Kristy Holston on Jan. 18, Chasing Horse is petitioning the court for “en banc reconsideration,” meaning he is requesting that all seven Nevada Supreme Court justices reconsider his petition.

In Chasing Horse’s first appeal which was denied, three Nevada Supreme Court justices listened to oral arguments presented by Holston and Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney William Rowles. Two of the justices denied his appeal while a third dissented. His second appeal was also denied.

Chasing Horse is charged with 18 counts in Clark County District Court in connection with alleged sexual abuse against two women.

One of Holston’s arguments centers around the issue of consent.

In reference to Ren Leone, formerly Corena Chasing Horse, who is one of the alleged victims, Holston points to her “prior statements explaining the extent of her love and romantic pursuit of Nathan and confirming her understanding of, and agreement to, the sexual acts with Nathan.”

Leone said that the sexual abuse began when she was 14 years old.

Chasing Horse, a self-proclaimed “Medicine Man” led a group known as “The Circle,” according to Las Vegas Metro police.

Several alleged victims, including Leone, told the 8 News Now Investigators that he used spiritual practices and beliefs to manipulate them.

In February of 2023, Chasing Horse was indicted by a grand jury in Clark County for a total of 19 counts. This included 10 counts of sexual assault against a minor under the age of 16, six counts of sexual assault, along with open and gross lewdness, first-degree kidnapping of a minor, and trafficking in a controlled substance. Clark County District Court Judge Carli Kierny later dropped one drug charge.

Holston argues that prosecutors should have not have presented the grand jury with information about the definition of “grooming.”

In January of 2023, Las Vegas Metro Police investigated Chasing Horse and executed a search warrant at his North Las Vegas home where he lived with several women who were referred to as his wives. He was taken into custody.

The 8 News Now Investigators have learned that similar allegations against Chasing Horse have previously been made, but did not result in an arrest.

The Las Vegas case is the first of several to move forward against Chasing Horse. He faces federal charges along with warrants in Montana and Canada. He also has previously been banned from several reservations.

Chasing Horse remained in jail in downtown Las Vegas. His bail was previously set at $300,000.

A status check in the Las Vegas case is scheduled for Feb. 21.

To reach investigative reporter Vanessa Murphy with any tips or information, email vmurphy@8newsnow.com.

To contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline, call 1-800-656-4673.

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