Prosecutors to refile charges against Nathan Chasing Horse after Nevada Supreme Court dismissal

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said his office would refile charges against Nathan Chasing Horse, hours after the Nevada Supreme Court dismissed the case, calling the court’s ruling a “minor setback.”

Chasing Horse was charged with 18 counts in Clark County District Court in connection with alleged sexual abuse against two women, one of them when she was underage. Prosecutors plan to bring the case back to the grand jury within a matter of weeks, Wolfson told the 8 News Now Investigators on Thursday.

The 48-year-old “Dances with Wolves” actor is accused of victimizing indigenous underage girls and women for nearly two decades.

“We are disappointed with the decision, but we respect the decision of the court,” Wolfson said. “This shouldn’t cause too much of an interruption in our efforts to seek justice.”

Wolfson also said his office had been in touch with the victims in the Las Vegas case who expressed they would continue to cooperate as the case moves forward.

In its order, the Nevada Supreme Court listed three main reasons for the dismissal: Two issues with how prosecutors handled the case and one issue with how a district court judge handled it.

Prosecutors presented the grand jury with information about “grooming.” The term is used to describe when a predator may care for a victim with the intent to manipulate them. The high court pointed out how according to Nevada state law, “grooming” is not a crime.

“We conclude that it is error [sic] for the state to give the grand jury an instruction that is unsupported by the evidence and does not address a necessary element of an offense,” the order stated.

Prosecutors also failed to submit exculpatory evidence to the grand jury, which included inconsistent statements made by an alleged victim, the order said.

In its conclusion, the Nevada Supreme Court stated the district court “manifestly abused its discretion in denying the pretrial habeas petition.” As a result, the indictment was dismissed. However, prosecutors are permitted to go back to the grand jury to seek another indictment and must make sure they don’t make the same errors.

Justices Douglas Herndon, Elissa Cadish, Lidia Stiglich, Kristina Pickering, Patricia Lee and Linda Bell all signed the Sept. 26 order. Justice Ron Parraguirre dissented.

“She really struggles with, you know, should I have come forward and will this ever find justice?” Melissa Leone, the mother of Ren Leone, one of the alleged victims in the Las Vegas case, told the 8 News Now Investigators. “I know she felt a little defeated this morning, but I also know that she’s been speaking with, you know, the people that in charge of things going on right now and I feel like after watching her receive those phone calls, that there was a bit of more confidence and just, okay, everything’s still okay. We’re still going forward.”

The other alleged victim in the case, Sierra Begaye called the decision shocking.

“It’s been a long and challenging process but we remain hopeful and will advocate for a refile,” Begaye told the 8 News Now Investigators. “Any news that comes out about Nathan Chasing Horse can be triggering to many of the survivors. My heart goes out to them all.”

Begaye urged anyone who may have been harmed by Chasing Horse, to reach out to the authorities.

“I’m grateful for the support from my family and community who are holding us extra close tonight,” Begaye said.

Begaye’s mother, Lynette Adams sent the 8 News Now Investigators the following statement:

“Today, we stand at a pivotal moment following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the dismissal of a case involving our two young daughters who have bravely endured so much. 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.”

This is not just about correcting a legal oversight—this is about honoring the dignity, strength, and courage of these two young women. They, like so many others who seek justice, deserve a process that is thorough, compassionate, and just. We believe this ruling allows for exactly that—a renewed chance to make things right, to review the facts with precision, and to ensure that every step moving forward is done with the utmost integrity.

To our daughters, we offer our deepest support. Your perseverance and faith in the face of adversity inspire us all. This is your moment, and we trust that the next steps will finally lead to the justice and closure you deserve. We understand the gravity of what has been endured, and we remain hopeful that this new refiling will bring the resolution that has been so long in coming.

We are encouraged by the belief that, moving forward, this case will be handled with the care and accuracy required to truly honor their experiences. Together, we will continue to advocate for fairness, compassion, and truth until a rightful conclusion is reached.”

As of Thursday, Chasing Horse remained in custody at the Clark County Detention Center in downtown Las Vegas. He declined a request for an interview. Clark County Public Defender Kristy Holston, who represents Chasing Horse, also declined to comment.

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

Chasing Horse, a self-proclaimed “Medicine Man” led a group known as “The Circle,” according to Las Vegas Metro police. Several alleged victims, including Ren Leone, told the 8 News Now Investigators that he used spiritual practices and beliefs to manipulate them.

In January 2023, 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.

In February 2023, a Clark County grand jury indicted Chasing Horse on 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.

The 8 News Now Investigators have learned similar allegations against Chasing Horse were previously 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 and warrants in Montana and Canada. He has also previously been banned from several reservations.

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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