(KIWA Staff Photo)Lyon County, Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — A new federal criminal complaint alleges 14-year-old McKenna Wendel died in Lyon County after her uncle transported her from Sioux Falls and supplied her with cocaine.
Kevin Chapman has been charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine resulting in death. The complaint was filed Sept. 28th in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa.
Evidence Cited Against Chapman
According to court documents, investigators used phone records, surveillance footage, and witness statements to examine contacts between Chapman and Wendel’s uncle, Mark Milk.
The documents allege Milk withdrew $150 from a Sioux Falls ATM early on March 14th before placing three calls to a phone number associated with Chapman. Investigators say phone location data placed Milk near Chapman’s residence shortly afterward.
An informant told investigators that Milk regularly purchased cocaine from Chapman for $150 per 3.5 grams.
While surveillance video did not show Milk arriving at Chapman’s home, investigators reported that footage showed his vehicle traveling toward and away from the surrounding area.
The affidavit alleges Milk transported Wendel to Lyon County, where she overdosed on cocaine obtained from Chapman. According to the affidavit, an autopsy and toxicology report identified cocaine toxicity as the cause of death.
Earlier Charges and Local Investigation
Wendel’s body was found near Brookings, South Dakota, on March 19th. The newly filed complaint alleges her death occurred in Iowa.
Milk and Jon Rogness of Brookings were indicted June 17th. Milk was cited on five charges, including distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death, transporting a minor for criminal sexual activity, and concealing evidence. He pleaded not guilty in July.
Rogness was charged with conspiracy to conceal evidence and being an accessory after the fact. He changed his plea to guilty on Aug. 19th.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office is among the local, state, and federal agencies investigating the case.
