Investigation into the Sexual Assault of 11-Year-Old Girl in Bemidji, Minnesota Leads to Arrest of Oscar Luna; 11 Undocumented Immigrants Detained

Accident – Death – Obituary News : BEMIDJI, Minn. — Two months ago, a police officer responded to the Sanford Bemidji emergency room on the report of a sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl. Since then, law enforcement agencies have been working tirelessly to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The case gained national and statewide attention when it was revealed that 11 undocumented immigrants were also detained during the investigation. Conservative politicians, including Minnesota’s 8th Congressional Rep. Pete Stauber, used the incident as an example of the Biden Administration’s immigration policies.

However, law enforcement officials have found little proof connecting the incident to broader immigration issues. Despite this, news outlets and politicians continue to make connections that may not exist.

So far, the only arrest made in connection to the assault is 22-year-old Oscar Luna from Mission, Texas. Luna is set to appear in court on December 4th for an omnibus hearing. The Bemidji Police Department recently sat down with local news outlet, the Pioneer, to provide an update on the investigation.

According to the criminal complaint, the assault occurred on September 23rd when the victim was with a 24-year-old woman who was drunk and wanted to go to a party. The woman arranged for the victim to get a ride, but instead, she was forced into a car with “Mexican guys” who put a bag over her head.

The victim was taken to a yellow house where she was tied up and sexually assaulted by four men, one of whom was called “Panda.” She was later able to escape with the help of another girl at the house.

Oscar Luna, who matched the physical description given by the victim, was arrested based on evidence and statements collected by the police. He has been charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and/or a $40,000 fine.

Although Luna is the only person charged so far, the investigation is still active, and no other arrests have been made. Detective Sgt. Daniel Seaberg emphasized that Luna’s arrest was based on probable cause and that the police need more evidence to charge anyone else.

During the investigation, a search warrant was executed at Luna’s residence, resulting in the detention of 11 men by U.S. Border Patrol. The Bemidji Police Department has no role in the immigration process, but they continue to investigate these men as part of the criminal case.

Bemidji Police Chief Mike Mastin stated that the immigration status of the individuals involved is irrelevant to the police investigation. He emphasized that the police handle the case with the same dedication and priority as any other high-profile case.

The police reached out to Border Patrol for translation assistance during the investigation due to a language barrier with one of the individuals involved. This is a standard practice to ensure clarity during questioning or testimony.

Border Patrol conducts their process to determine the immigration status of the individuals in question. If they are found to be in the U.S. illegally, it is up to Border Patrol to handle their cases.

The Bemidji Police Department remains focused on the sexual assault investigation and is dedicated to bringing justice to the victim. They are working diligently to gather more evidence and determine if there are any additional victims.

As the investigation continues, it is important to remember that the incident itself should be the primary concern, rather than using it to fuel political narratives about immigration policies. The focus should be on holding the perpetrator accountable and supporting the victim throughout the legal process..