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.
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Plus: Itasca County reuses flag poles to fly new and old state flags; Crow Wing County adds 10 license plate readers to Flock Safety network; and Red Lake County takes 2nd in state baseball tourney. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe county avoided buying new flag poles by flying the current and former Minnesota flags on poles that were previously used for a memorial. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe formal move on June 8, 2026, follows discussion on the perpetual vacancies and rising costs of operating a rural police force. -
Contributed/Eagle Rebel Activities on XThe Rebels entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed and defending champions. South Ridge, Grand Rapids and Aitkin also competed in the tournament. -
Contributed/St. Louis County Sheriff's Office Facebook pageThe St. Louis County Sheriff's Office identified William Helgemoe, 56, as the rider killed on Industrial Road on June 12, 2026. -
Malachy Koons/KAXEThe KAXE Music Team on new music from Duane Betts, LOV, Bella White, Greg Mendez, Molly Brandt, Sosyete '25, Crooked Fingers, and Blondie's debut from '76. -
Contributed/University of Massachusetts Press, Macmillan, BloomsburyBooks featured on the "KAXE Morning Show" on June 11, 2026, include "Summers at the Saint," "Theo of Golden" and "The Nightingale." -
This is the Up North Lookback, where we’re digging into the local news archives from 50 years ago — the year KAXE was born. It’s the week of June 15.
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And: COVID learning woes still haunt MN kids' well-being.
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And: A McGregor gas station was fined by the state Pollution Control Agency; the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission was given a transportation award; and Red Lake County will defend its baseball title Monday.
