Bemidji PD: 1 victim confirmed in alleged sex assault in Sept.

Bemidji authorities say an investigation of an alleged sexual assault in late September so far has confirmed one juvenile victim.

A 22-year-old Texas man, Oscar Luna, was arrested last month after an 11-year-old girl said she and two other girls were tied up and raped by several men at a Bemidji home.

But police now say one of the females described by the victim was identified as an adult, who did not report being assaulted.

Detectives also confirmed that there was not a third victim still in the residence during a search, but they continue investigating the possibility of a third victim.

Luna is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct in Beltrami County. Luna was also arrested on a Hennepin County warrant.

Police say 12 other people were identified at the scene, but none could immediately be identified as suspects in the case. Eleven of them were turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol to be processed as illegal immigrants.

Any involvement they may have in the case is being investigated.

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Bemidji PD release:

On September 23rd, 2023 Bemidji Police officers responded to the Sanford Medical Center’s Emergency Department of a report of an assault. Responding Officers learned that a juvenile female had been sexually assaulted. Through investigation, Bemidji Police Officers and Detectives were able to identify 1821 America Court as the location where the assault occurred. Bemidji Police Department Detectives executed a search warrant at that address and located one of the suspects described by the victim. Oscar Ernesto Luna, age 22 of Texas was arrested and has been charged by the Beltrami County Attorney’s Office with 1st degree Criminal Sexual Conduct.

During the search, twelve (12) other individuals were located and identified. The U. S. Border Patrol was requested to assist because of a language barrier. None of these individuals could be immediately identified as suspects in this case and eleven (11) were turned over to the custody of the U.S. Border Patrol. Any involvement they may have in this case is still actively being investigated.

During the continued search of the area, one of the females described by the juvenile victim was located. This individual was identified as an adult and did not report being assaulted. This individual further reported that she was not aware of a third victim. During the execution of the initial search warrant, Bemidji Police Detectives confirmed that there was not a third victim still in the residence and continue investigate the possibility of a third victim.

With the assistance of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Crime Scene Team, the residence of 1821 America Court was processed for more than eight hours in an attempt to locate any evidence in this case. Since this incident was first reported, Bemidji Police Detectives and Agents from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension have been diligently investigating this case to ensure there are no other victims and that those responsible are arrested. This incident does appear to be isolated.

As the investigation continues, the Bemidji Police Department asks that everyone recognize the trauma and respect the privacy of the juvenile in this case. The Bemidji Police Department is collaborating with numerous agencies across this state with the steadfast focus of solving this case and keeping all of our communities’ children safe.