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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A veteran and historian share their experience with the program from the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota. Veterans from the Iron Range and Koochiching and Lake of the Woods counties can participate. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe United Way of Northeastern Minnesota's Operation: Service Story collects oral histories for Iron Range and Koochiching and Lake of the Woods counties service members. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEForums will be in Grand Rapids, Ely and Hibbing, with a special event focused on veterans issued scheduled for 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, in Grand Rapids. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEDozens of Northern Minnesota student-athletes from nine area schools, including Grand Rapids and Bemidji, will compete at the 2025 state swimming and diving meet this week. -
Contributed/St. Louis CountySt. Louis County Public Works engineers completed design work for the reconstruction of County Highway 100 in Aurora, with a design meeting scheduled Nov. 13, 2025. -
Contributed/Leech Lake Band of OjibweThe Leech Lake Tribal College will host four public forums on Nov. 12, 2025, as it forms a profile to guide its search for a new college president. -
Kari Hedlund/KAXEThe KAXE Music Team highlights recent singles and albums you should listen to, including releases from Mavis Staples, William Prince, Khruangbin, Dessa, Aubrie Sellers and more. -
Contributed/Canva Pro graphicThe Minnesota State Patrol reported William James Gardner was traveling westbound at 6:50 p.m. Nov. 7, 2025, in a 2004 Honda Civic, when the crash occurred. -
Abby Daman's coaches said she is a "strong silent example of what hard work can look like." Her work ethic and positive attitude are why she's KAXE's first-ever North Star Student.
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Plus: FEMA disaster recovery centers open on Leech Lake Reservation; Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan makes campaign stop in Grand Rapids; and Northland teams see mixed results in state tourneys.
