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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KAXE/KBXE/Charlie MitchellIn this episode, co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell discuss woodpecker grunts, gifts for nature nerds, and first aid for injured owls. -
Laurie Kramer is a professor of applied psychology at Northeastern University in Boston and an expert in sibling relationships and managing strategies for family conflict.
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Ekaterina Bolovtsova via PexelsItasca County Attorney Jacob Fauchald expects the case to eventually go to trial, but there may be more legal maneuvering before then. Martin's next appearance is set for February 2026. -
Laurie Kramer is a professor of applied psychology at Northeastern University in Boston and an expert on sibling relationships and managing strategies for family conflict. -
KAXE/Charlie MitchellBrian Pelander of Alden Township was fatally injured when a tree fell by him the morning of Nov. 26, 2025. -
Contributed/Reed Olson for MN 2A Facebook pageThe executive director of the Nameless Coalition for the Homeless and former Beltrami County commissioner posted a video on social media, saying he will seek the seat. -
Contributed/Chad KaddatzDuring the week of Nov. 25, 2025, we enjoy reports of bobcat sightings, Tundra Swans and a lingering heron. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of Nov. 25, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers purple clematis flowers and the impressive adaptations of woodpeckers..
