UPDATE: On April 2, 2024, the Beltrami County Attorney's Office dropped the felony sexual assault charge referenced in this story, citing exculpatory information and a lack of evidence in the ensuing investigation.
BEMIDJI — The 22-year-old Texas man accused in the rape of an 11-year-old Bemidji girl appeared Friday, Oct. 13, in Beltrami County District Court.
Oscar Ernesto Luna of Mission, Texas, is facing a first-degree criminal sexual conduct charge, a serious felony carrying a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.
During the hearing Friday, Luna's defense attorneys requested a continuance, noting they had not received several reports of discovery related to this case.
Luna remains in the Beltrami County Jail on an unconditional $800,000 bond. He will make his next court appearance on Dec. 4.
The 11-year-old victim in this case reported to authorities that she was violently raped by a man with facial tattoos and an eyebrow piercing that went by the name Panda and three other men. The victim stated she was among a group of three female victims.
Bemidji Police Chief Mike Mastin stated in the department's most recent update on the case that officers located an adult female mentioned by the victim, but the woman said she was not assaulted.
During the execution of the warrant at 1821 America Court NW, law enforcement reporting finding several other people living in the home. The United States Border Patrol was reportedly called in to assist with a language barrier.
The Border Patrol confirmed to KAXE that 10 unnamed people ranging in ages from 18 to 57 were taken into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Mexico and Guatemala were the countries of origin for the individuals, according to authorities.
Mastin has said the others found in the home are not suspects at this time. No other arrests have been made and police have not provided an update on the case since Oct. 4.
-
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe KAXE News Team shares live updates from the polls across Northern Minnesota as voters cast ballots for Senate, governor, sheriff and other races. -
Contributed/Brainerd High SchoolThe Hibbing, Park Rapids and Wadena Deer-Creek boys teams and the Crosby-Ironton and Hermantown girls teams also qualified, along with over 30 more student-athletes from across the Northland. -
Malachy Koons/KAXEThe KAXE Music Team on new releases from THAO, Sherman Holmes, Jordie Lane, Trish Toledo, Richard Thompson, Mei Semones, and Moses Boyd. Plus Aretha in '76. -
Emma Krab/KAXE‘Twas the night before Election Day 2026, but Northern Minnesota election workers have been preparing for voters for months. -
Stella Mayerhoff/KAXE / Report for AmericaStaffing shortages can cause strain at polling locations, but new and veteran election judges are stepping up to help Election Day 2026 run smoothly. -
Contributed/Author photo: John Scalzi; Book cover: TorJohn Scalzi’s “Monsters of Ohio” is weird and gross and unexpectedly heartwarming and fun. This is the New York Times bestselling sci-fi writer’s twentieth book and he’s not stopping anytime soon. -
To make Election Day hassle-free for voters across the state, election officials work behind the scenes to bring the big day to life. -
Plus: Longtime election workers highlight need for more volunteers; and Rock Ridge is back-to-back state tennis champs.
-
Contributed/Rock Ridge Public SchoolsRock Ridge's Ellie Dimberio was the singles consolation champion. In 1A, Pequot Lakes finished sixth, as did Staples-Motley's Madison and Kaylee Perius. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe secretary of state's office highlighted the number in its weekly early voting update on Oct. 30, 2026. Early voting locations are open through the weekend ahead of Election Day.
