By Trend News Line 2024-04-02 23:21:04.
Beltrami County Attorney David Hanson has released updates on the case surrounding the sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl in Bemidji, shedding light on the investigation that began nearly seven months ago.
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**The Initial Incident**
Law enforcement was alerted to the incident in the early hours of September 23, 2023, when a Bemidji police officer responded to a report of a sexual assault at the Sanford Bemidji emergency room. The victim’s aunt revealed that the 11-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted at a house in Bemidji. During an interview and physical examination at the Family Advocacy Center of Northern Minnesota, the victim disclosed that she was in the company of a 24-year-old woman on the night of the assault.
According to the victim’s statement, the woman, who was intoxicated, coerced her into a car with “Mexican guys” and they placed a bag over her head. The victim recounted being taken to a yellow house where she was tied up naked in a room with two other girls who were also bound. She described four men present, one of whom she referred to as “Panda,” noting his distinctive orange eyebrow piercing and a silver and black gun. The victim reported that she was sexually assaulted by the men.
**Investigation and Arrest**
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Following a forensic interview at the Family Advocacy Center, it was revealed that the victim managed to escape with the help of another girl at the house. The Bemidji Police Department conducted a search to locate the other females mentioned by the victim. However, one of the individuals found during the search was identified as an adult and denied being assaulted. The presence of a third victim was also ruled out during the investigation.
22-year-old Oscar Ernesto Luna, from Mission, Texas, was arrested as a suspect in the case based on the victim’s description of “Panda.” Luna was initially charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct, though he denied the allegations but acknowledged knowing the 24-year-old woman who was with the victim.
**Forensic Analysis and New Developments**
Further investigation led to a search warrant being executed at Luna’s residence, where 11 men were discovered and later taken into custody by U.S. Border Patrol as undocumented immigrants. Despite collecting DNA samples from Luna and the men found at the scene, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension did not find a match to the DNA evidence from the victim.
The forensic analysis revealed multiple unidentified DNA profiles on the victim’s undergarments, with Luna’s DNA not being detected. Additionally, no DNA belonging to the victim was found at the scene or in the vehicle she was allegedly forced into. Subsequent physical evidence and witness statements did not corroborate the victim’s initial account.
**Case Dismissal and Drug Charges**
Due to the lack of evidence linking Luna to the sexual assault, the Beltrami County Attorney’s Office decided to dismiss the charges against him. However, Luna will face prosecution for felony third-degree possession of a controlled substance after drugs were discovered at the scene. He has expressed intent to plead guilty to the drug charge.
Despite the outcome of the case, Hanson expressed gratitude to all involved in the investigation and emphasized the impact on the young victim. The case remains under investigation, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, support is available through organizations like Support Within Reach. Contact them at their 24/7 crisis hotlines for assistance and guidance..
Sexual assault charges dropped against Oscar Luna
Oscar Luna charges dropped in connection to assault case.
