Man granted clemency by Kristi Noem indicted in case of dead teen girl

Two men have been indicted in connection with a case involving 14-year-old McKenna Wendel, months after her body was discovered in a creek in South Dakota.

Mark Milk, 51, and Jon Rogness, 38, face multiple federal charges, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa. As per People, the indictment comes months after McKenna was found dead in Brookings, South Dakota, on March 19, nearly a week after she was reported missing during a snowstorm, authorities said.

McKenna Wendel Found Dead After Disappearance in Snowstorm

Investigators said McKenna had been travelling through South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota before her body was discovered in a creek. Authorities previously stated she was “transported in a vehicle” to the location where she was later found.

Officials have not confirmed all details surrounding her final movements, but said the case spans multiple jurisdictions.

Uncle of Victim Among Those Charged in Federal Indictment

Milk, who is McKenna’s uncle, faces several charges including transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, conspiracy to conceal evidence, and drug distribution resulting in death, according to prosecutors.

Rogness has also been charged with conspiracy to conceal evidence and accessory after the fact.

Authorities allege the offences occurred within the Northern District of Iowa and are separate from earlier local investigations tied to McKenna’s disappearance and death.

Milk Previously Received Clemency After Prior Murder Conviction

Court and media reports indicate Milk had previously been serving a life sentence for a 1993 murder before being granted clemency by then-South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem.

During earlier proceedings seeking sentence commutation, Milk had referenced his relationships with his nieces and nephews and described efforts to support them financially, according to the Argus Leader.

At the time McKenna went missing, Milk had reportedly been arrested on unrelated charges of driving while intoxicated.

Investigation Continues as Federal Case Moves Forward

Officials say the indictments relate to a broader investigation involving alleged conduct across multiple states. The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed both defendants are expected to appear in court at a later date.

Online records do not yet show whether either man has entered a plea.