SIOUX FALLS — Mark Milk and Jon Rogness were charged in connection with the death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel, whose body was discovered on March 19 outside Brookings. Wendel was reported missing on March 13 and was last seen alive in Sioux Falls early on March 14.

Mark Milk, Wendel's uncle and a 51-year-old resident of Sioux Falls, faces five counts related to her death. One charge alleges possession with intent to deliver cocaine that caused Wendel's death. Court documents state, "Furthermore, the death of M.W. resulted from the use of the controlled substance defendant possessed with the intent to distribute and distributed." Milk is also charged with transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

Jon Rogness, 38, who resides in Brookings, faces conspiracy and accessory charges related to an alleged attempt to cover up the crimes. Authorities announced the charges during a news conference held in Sioux City, Iowa.

An autopsy was performed on McKenna Wendel, but its findings have not been released. U.S. Attorney for northern Iowa Leif Olson stated, "The cause and manner of Wendel's death would not be released yet per Justice Department policy." When asked for further details, Olson said, "I don't have any information on that." U.S. Attorney in Iowa Ron Parsons affirmed, "The charges that we brought are the most serious, readily provable." Parsons also noted, "All charges occurred within the Northern District of Iowa." FBI Special Agent Gene Kowel commented on the investigation, stating, "This is a horrific case." He added, "There are no cases that we investigate that are more heart-wrenching and more tragic than the ones that involve children or the death of a child."

Milk was in jail on allegations of driving under the influence and eluding police when Wendel's body was found. He was previously serving a life term for a manslaughter conviction related to the 1993 stabbing death of Shawn Peneaux; that sentence was later commuted.