Sonoma Community Questions Ally of Native American Child Rapist & Cult Leader
Local Native Americans question Jennifer Diaz-McQuaid's ties to Nathan Chasing Horse as she affiliates with anti-human trafficking programs
In recent months, numerous Facebook posts in the Sonoma County Native American community have featured Ms. Jennifer Diaz-McQuaid, an ally of Nathan Chasing Horse. Chasing Horse is a former “Dances with Wolves” actor and cult leader who used his position as a self-proclaimed medicine man to gain access to Indigenous girls and women, who he physically and sexually assaulted and took as underage wives. Ms. Diaz-McQuaid’s affiliation to anti-human trafficking programs has left some uneasy.
Per a February 9, 2023 article shared by Nexstar Media Inc:
AS VEGAS (KLAS) — An ally of accused child rapist Nathan Chasing Horse heads a program to combat human trafficking, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned. Jennifer McQuaid, also known as Jennifer Diaz-McQuaid has been the coordinator for “Seeds of Hope,” an anti-human trafficking program at The Salvation Army in southern Nevada.
While promoting the “Seeds of Hope” program, McQuaid is seen in numerous posts on social media with members of Chasing Horse’s alleged cult called The Circle. Her daughter is one of his wives, according to 8 News Now Investigators sources.
Chasing Horse, 46, faces charges in North Las Vegas including sexual assault against a child, sexual assault, four counts of sex trafficking of an adult, child abuse or neglect, possession of pornography depicting a victim under the age of 16, as well as two counts related to unlawful acts pertaining to a bald eagle and unlawful possession of a bird of prey or parts.
He was arrested at his North Las Vegas home on Jan. 31.
The “Dances with Wolves” actor also faces federal charges after a criminal complaint was filed on Feb. 8. Charges include two counts of sexual exploitation of children and one charge of possession of child pornography.
Police said Chasing Horse victimized indigenous girls and women for at least two decades in various locations in the United States and Canada.
The 8 News Now Investigators tried talking with McQuaid who refused to answer questions.
“The Salvation Army Southern Nevada is aware that a member of its staff has a personal connection to an individual mentioned in recent news stories,” the statement said. “This staff member is currently on a leave of absence. The mission of The Salvation Army’s social service programs is to serve human needs without discrimination, and providing a safe environment is of the utmost priority.”
Chasing Horse’s next court date is scheduled for Feb. 22 in North Las Vegas.
On Wednesday, North Las Vegas Justice Court Pro-tem Craig Newman set bail for Chasing Horse at $300,000 despite prosecutors arguing for a $2 million bond.
Public defender Kristy Holston requested for Chasing Horse to be allowed to stay with a family member.
“This family member actually works for an organization that fights or combats human trafficking,” Holston said.
The 8 News Now Investigators confirmed that Holston was referring to McQuaid, and then visited her North Las Vegas neighborhood.
“We can’t have him stay there,” HOA President Lynn Culo said citing safety concerns.
Eva G. Simmons Elementary School is located two-tenths-of-a-mile away.
As of Thursday evening, Chasing Horse had not yet posted bond. Conditions of his bail include high-level electronic monitoring, no alcohol or drugs, and to stay away from children. He was banned from reservations in the United States and Canada.
Numerous online posts questioned the relationship between Diaz-McQuaid, Chasing Horse, and anti-human trafficking programs.
Unfortunately, these posts also referenced Ms. Lisa Diaz, Ms. Jennifer Diaz-McQuaid’s sister, and founder of Redemption House of the Bay Area, an anti-human trafficking resource program.
Redemption House and Ms. Lisa Diaz appear to stand in solidarity with the victims of Nathan Chasing Horse.
Community members sent me photos which allegedly depict Ms. Diaz-McQuaid, her daughter and Chasing Horse together.
Ms. Diaz-McQuaid and her sister appear to still be well-connected following the Chasing Horse incident. While Ms. Diaz spoke as a panel moderator for a Fall 2024 Restorative Justice Reentry Conference in San Francisco on behalf of Redemption House, her sister tagged along for the event.
While it’s understandable that Ms. Diaz is her own person, the community questions her defense of her sister as a victim.
Allegedly, Ms. Diaz-McQuaid now resides with Northern Circle Indian Housing Authority ESS Manager Priest Martinez. Allegedly, Mr. Martinez raped and kidnapped individuals in Mendocino County.
Diaz-McQuaid left the following comment regarding Mr. Martinez:
Mr. Martinez is currently a Chair Candidate for AMERIND tribal insurance.
The community claims that Mr. Martinez previously raped and kidnapped individuals in Mendocino County. I sent him a media request to address these allegations. He informed me that he would draft responses by yesterday, but I have not heard from him.
Lake County Super. Ct. No. CR914276B stated the following:
Defendant Priest Rogelio Martinez appeals a judgment entered after he pleaded no contest to kidnapping and robbery. His counsel has filed an opening brief raising no issues and asking this court for an independent review of the record. Defendant has been informed of his right to personally file a supplemental brief, but he has not done so.
Defendant originally pleaded not guilty to all counts. As part of a negotiated disposition, the trial court granted the prosecutor’s motion to amend the complaint to reduce count three to second degree robbery.
Defendant signed a plea form, initialed the boxes indicating he understood his constitutional rights, and told the court he had read the form and understood his rights. He pleaded no contest to counts two and three, and admitted the prior prison term allegation, with the understanding that he would be sentenced to a prison term of seven years.
Before sentencing, defendant indicated he wished to withdraw his plea. The trial court appointed another counsel to represent defendant and file any appropriate motions. After reviewing the case, defendant’s new attorney informed the court she had reviewed the case and found no grounds for a motion to withdraw the plea.
Consistent with the plea agreement, the trial court imposed a seven-year prison term,
calculated as the five-year midterm for count two (§§ 207, subd. (a), 208, subd. (a)), a consecutive one year term for count three (§§ 211, 213, subd. (a)(2)), and one year for the prior prison term (§ 667.5, subd. (b)). The court ordered defendant to pay fines and fees, and awarded 157 days credit. The remaining charges and allegations were dismissed.
Past criminals can certainly turn their lives around, but their motives are questioned when transparency becomes an issue. I believe in seeking and sharing truth, so I emailed Redemption House of the Bay Area basic inquiries:
Good Morning,
I appreciate the work that Redemption House does, and am grateful that there is an interest to protect those who have experienced human trafficking. I seek the opportunity to have an open dialogue, so that the community may be well-informed from the source. While these questions may not directly pertain to the organization, they are of great importance.
Over recent months, many community members have messaged me with concerns regarding Ms. Jennifer Diaz McQuaid, and the close relationship with her sister, Redemption House Co-founder Lisa Diaz. With your assistance, I would like to clarify the facts vs. misconceptions.
Ms. Jennifer Diaz McQuaid was an alleged ally of accused child rapist Nathan Chasing Horse. Could you please speak to why Redemption House has been photographed with Ms. Diaz McQuaid at events, and her involvement in the local community?
Some have portrayed Ms. Diaz McQuaid as a victim. Others have claimed that she was a groomer. Yesterday, I was sent photos of her and her daughter smiling at a baby shower with Nathan Chasing Horse. Could you please speak to this?
Ms. Diaz McQuaid took a leave of absence from Seeds of Hope after the media outed her support for Nathan Chasing Horse. Was she fired from her role with the Salvation Army? If not, why did she take a leave of absence?
I was informed that Ms. Diaz McQuaid is currently residing with Northern Circle Indian Housing Authority ESS Manager Priest Martinez. Allegedly, Mr. Martinez raped and kidnapped individuals in Mendocino County. I reached out to him for a comment, and he stated he would send his responses by yesterday. I did not hear from him, so can you please speak to this? Do you feel that Mr. Martinez and Ms. Diaz McQuaid are safe individuals to bring around the community?
Thank you & God Bless.
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Kindest Regards,
Adina Flores
I have not yet received a response from Redemption House, as I just sent a media request a few hours ago. We must remain equally yoked in our community relations. Had one of my family members enabled and supported a child trafficker, I would cut them off immediately. I am sure Redemption House has a logical reason for maintaining a relationship with Diaz-McQuaid, so I look forward to publishing their truth.
