Mark Milk Pleads Not Guilty in Sioux City Drug Case
The 52-year-old defendant faces a new charge related to the death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Drug Crime
Mark Milk entered a written plea of not guilty to a new conspiracy charge in federal court in Sioux City. The charge stems from the death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel, who died of a cocaine overdose.
Why it matters
The indictment adds a new count of conspiracy against Milk as the court process moves forward for multiple defendants. Wendel was originally reported missing in March 2026 before her body was discovered in Brookings County, South Dakota.
Mark Milk, 52, filed a written waiver for his arraignment on October 26, 2026. His trial is now set for December 28, 2026, while co-defendant Kevin Chapman is scheduled for trial on December 14, 2026.
The players
Mark Milk
Mark Milk is a 52-year-old defendant currently facing a conspiracy charge in federal court.
McKenna Wendel
McKenna Wendel was a 14-year-old victim whose death from a cocaine overdose prompted the current criminal proceedings.
Kevin Chapman
Kevin Chapman is a co-defendant charged with drug conspiracy.
Jon Rogness
Jon Rogness is a co-defendant who pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge regarding the concealment of objects.
The details
Mark Milk faces legal action following the death of McKenna Wendel, whose body was found in Brookings County. Co-defendant Jon Rogness has already entered a guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to conceal objects as part of a plea agreement.
Timeline
March 2026: McKenna Wendel was reported missing in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
October 26, 2026: Mark Milk filed a written plea of not guilty.
December 14, 2026: Trial for Kevin Chapman is scheduled.
December 28, 2026: Trial for Mark Milk is scheduled.
Legal Context
This case follows the standard procedural pattern established by federal conspiracy statutes when applied to fatal drug overdose investigations. Such prosecutions frequently involve multi-defendant indictments that address both drug distribution and attempts to conceal evidence.
The legal proceedings are centered in Sioux City, where court activity may affect local schedules and public access to federal records. Residents should note the upcoming trial dates which may involve additional court activity in the area.
The takeaway
The court continues to process the case through written pleas and scheduled trial dates for the involved defendants. These proceedings highlight the ongoing judicial efforts to address drug-related fatalities through federal conspiracy charges.
What happens next
The trial for Kevin Chapman is set for December 14, 2026, followed by the trial for Mark Milk on December 28, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings, visit the Drug Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sioux Falls Live.
