(KSCJ Radio) — Two South Dakota men have been indicted on federal criminal charges in Iowa related to the death of a 14-year-old Sioux Falls girl whose body was found near Brookings, South Dakota, in March.
A federal grand jury has charged 51-year-old Mark Milk of Sioux Falls and 38-year-old Jon Rogness of Brookings in connection with the death of McKenna Wendel.
Charges Filed Against Milk
According to the indictment, Milk faces five federal counts, including distribution of cocaine to a person under the age of 21, distribution of cocaine resulting in death, child neglect, and two counts related to tampering with evidence and obstructing an official proceeding.
Leif Olson, U.S. Attorney for Iowa’s Northern District, outlined the charges during a news conference in Sioux City.
The indictment alleges Milk knowingly and intentionally distributed a substance containing cocaine in Iowa on or about March 14, 2026.
Charges Filed Against Rogness
Federal prosecutors say Rogness was indicted on two charges stemming from the investigation.
Olson says those charges are related to alleged efforts to conceal evidence.
Why the Case is Being Prosecuted in Iowa
The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies across Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota, including the FBI, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lyon County Attorney’s Office.
Authorities previously said the investigation included locations in Lyon County, Iowa, and Rock County, Minnesota, where Wendel and others may have been during the timeline of the case.
Because Wendel’s body was found near Brookings, Olson was asked why the federal case is being prosecuted in Iowa.
Olson said federal prosecutors will be required to prove jurisdiction as part of the court proceedings.
Background on the Investigation
Wendel was reported missing in March under what Sioux Falls Police described as suspicious circumstances. Her body was found on March 19 near Brookings.
At the time, investigators said the case spanned multiple jurisdictions and involved local, state, and federal agencies.
A family obituary identified Milk as Wendel’s uncle.
Court Proceedings Ahead
Milk was sentenced to life in prison for manslaughter in South Dakota more than 30 years ago. In February 2023, then-Governor Kristi Noem commuted his sentence, and Milk was granted parole in 2024.
Milk and Rogness are expected to make initial appearances at the federal courthouse in Sioux City at a date yet to be determined.
Story by Woody Gottburg / KSCJ Radio, Sioux City
