Nathan Chasing Horse, a former actor and alleged cult leader from the Rosebud Sioux Indian Lakota Tribe, is set to go on trial for multiple sexual assault charges after years of legal proceedings. Prosecutors accuse him of exploiting his role as a “medicine man” to manipulate and abuse women within his cult, “The Circle,” which once had up to 350 followers. The indictment includes serious charges such as sexual assault of minors, kidnapping, and child pornography, with allegations spanning from 2012 to 2020. Several women have testified that Chasing Horse used Native American spiritual authority to coerce them into sexual acts, often filming these assaults.

The trial has drawn significant attention due to the cultural and community impact, with concerns about jury impartiality amid extensive media coverage. Chasing Horse’s defense has questioned the reliability of witness testimonies, while prosecutors emphasize his abuse of power within the community. The case has also faced complications, including a temporary breakdown in the attorney-client relationship, though it appears resolved with trial preparations underway. The proceedings are expected to be closely watched nationally, especially within Native American communities seeking justice for the alleged harm caused.