After four days of jury selection, a panel of 16 jurors—12 regular and four alternates, comprising four men and 12 women—has been seated for the trial of Nathan Chasing Horse, allowing opening statements to begin next week. Chasing Horse is charged with multiple felonies, including sexual assault of a minor, kidnapping, and using a minor in pornography, with allegations spanning over a decade. Prosecutors claim he exploited his status as a Lakota spiritual leader to manipulate Indigenous women and girls.

During jury selection, attorneys extensively questioned potential jurors on their ability to remain impartial amid sensitive issues such as sexual abuse, law enforcement perceptions, victim behavior expectations, and cultural practices like polygamy relevant to Sioux traditions. The defense stressed the presumption of innocence and the need for proof beyond a reasonable doubt, probing jurors on their ability to withhold judgment until all evidence is presented, including Chasing Horse’s background as an actor and spiritual healer. Chasing Horse has pleaded not guilty to all charges.