LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Nevada Supreme Courtroom has denied Nathan Chasing Horse’s request to toss a sprawling indictment that accuses the previous “Dances With Wolves” actor of main a cult, taking underage wives and sexually abusing Indigenous ladies and women for many years.
The court docket’s determination means prosecutors can proceed with their 18-count criminal case after months of delayed proceedings whereas Chasing Horse challenged it. The 47-year-old has been in custody since his arrest in January close to the North Las Vegas residence he’s mentioned to have shared with 5 wives.
Chasing Horse pleaded not responsible to the costs, which embrace sexual assault of a minor, kidnapping and little one abuse.
His attorneys argued that the case ought to be dismissed as a result of, the previous actor mentioned, the sexual encounters had been consensual. Considered one of his accusers was youthful than 16, the age of consent in Nevada, when the alleged abuse started, authorities mentioned.
Public defender Kristy Holston additionally argued that the indictment was an overreach by the Clark County district lawyer’s workplace. She mentioned among the proof offered to the grand jury, together with a definition of grooming, had tainted the state’s case.
Holston did not instantly reply to a Tuesday request for touch upon the state Supreme Courtroom’s determination.
Chasing Horse is thought for his portrayal of Smiles a Lot within the 1990 movie “Dances with Wolves.”
Regulation enforcement authorities say within the many years since starring within the Oscar-winning film, Chasing Horse constructed a reputation for himself amongst tribes as a self-proclaimed medication man whereas touring round North America to carry out therapeutic ceremonies. They are saying he used his place to achieve entry to susceptible women and girls beginning within the early 2000s.
The abuse allegations cross a number of U.S. states, together with Nevada, the place he was residing on the time of his arrest, in addition to Montana and South Dakota, in response to the indictment.
One of many victims recognized within the Nevada case was 14 when Chasing Horse advised her that the spirits of their ancestors had instructed him to have intercourse together with her, in response to court docket paperwork and prosecutors.
In the present day Information Prime Newsmaac
