South Dakota man whose life sentence was commuted by Noem now implicated in his niece’s death
Prosecutors say the case involves cocaine, sexual exploitation and an alleged cover-up as investigators tied Milk to the teen’s death.
- On Thursday, federal authorities indicted Mark Milk, 51, and Jon Rogness, 38, for the death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel in the Northern District of Iowa following a three-month investigation.
- Wendel was reported missing from Sioux Falls on March 13 and found dead six days later near Brookings; Milk, her uncle, was on parole after former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem commuted his 1993 manslaughter sentence in 2023.
- Milk faces five counts including possession with intent to distribute cocaine resulting in death and transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, while Rogness faces conspiracy and accessory charges.
- U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Leif Olson stated the counts represent "the most serious, readily provable" charges as federal officials coordinate across South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota.
- FBI Special Agent in Charge Gene Kowel said investigations involving children remain difficult, noting, "Our hearts go out to McKenna's family," while authorities withhold details to protect the ongoing case.
56 Articles
56 Articles
Who is Mark Milk? Man freed by Kristi Noem from life sentence now charged in 14-year-old niece McKenna Wendel's death
Mark Milk, who once had his life sentence commuted by Kristi Noem, is now facing multiple charges in connection with the death of his 14-year-old niece.
'A Horrible Judge of Character': Kristi Noem Suffers Another Major Blow, But This Time a 14-Year-Old Girl Ended Up Dead
Just months after President Donald Trump publicly pushed her out of one of the most powerful jobs in Washington, former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is facing fresh scrutiny over a decision she made as governor of South Dakota. This time, however, the controversy is tied to the death of a 14-year-old Native American girl. Federal authorities announced Thursday that Mark Milk, a Sioux Falls man whose life sentence was commuted by Noem …
Mark Milk Whose Life Sentence Kristi Noem Commuted Is Charged Over Teen Niece's Fatal Cocaine Case
Mark Milk, a South Dakota man whose life sentence was commuted by Kristi Noem, now faces federal charges tied to the death of his 14-year-old niece, McKenna Wendel. Federal authorities in Iowa announced charges after a months-long investigation into Wendel's disappearance and death in March. The case has drawn fresh attention to South Dakota's clemency and parole system because Milk had been serving a life sentence for manslaughter before Noem c…
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