BEMIDJI, Minn. -Prosecutors in Bemidji have dropped charges against Oscar Luna, who was suspected in a reported gang rape, after DNA test results failed to match him to the crime. Last year, Luna was charged with criminal sexual conduct following an 11-year-old girl’s report of being attacked in Bemidji. The girl recounted being forced into a car, having a bag placed over her head, and being taken to a yellow house where she was tied up and sexually assaulted. Hospital examinations confirmed injuries consistent with rape.
Upon locating a house matching the girl’s description, authorities found Luna and 11 other individuals inside. While Luna matched the victim’s description of a suspect and was arrested, the other 11 individuals were not detained. DNA samples were collected from all 12 men. Beltrami County Attorney David Hanson revealed that none of the DNA samples, including Luna’s, matched those found during the victim’s rape test. Although three DNA samples were discovered during the victim’s examination, none could be linked to a suspect.
As a result, charges against Luna related to the rape case have been dismissed. Hanson explained that while there was initially enough probable cause to charge Luna, subsequent investigation revealed that much of the evidence was either uncorroborated or exculpatory. As no admissible evidence implicated Luna in the sexual assault, the charges were dropped. Despite the dismissal, Luna still faces criminal prosecution due to drugs found in the house, which he allegedly admitted were his. He also has two outstanding warrants from Hennepin County.