Michigan resident sentenced for cross-country narcotics deal

McALLEN, Texas – A 61-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute 14 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Walter Lee Houze pleaded guilty March 31.

U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Houze to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the seriousness of Houze possessing a firearm in connection with a narcotics offense.

On May 9, 2023, Houze drove his Volkswagen Tiguan to the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint in Sarita. Jose Taurus Burks was in the passenger seat. Authorities referred them to secondary inspection where a K-9 alerted to the rear cargo area of the vehicle. There, law enforcement discovered 14.26 kilograms of cocaine concealed in a black suitcase intermingled with clothing and laundry detergent beads belonging to Houze.

Burks admitted he was to be paid for traveling from Michigan to assist Houze in the purchase and transportation of cocaine from Hidalgo County.

Previously released on bond, Houze was taken into custody following the sentencing where he will remain pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Burks, 52, Harrison Township, Michigan, pleaded guilty March 31. He also remains in custody pending his sentencing Sept. 9.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexa D. Parcell prosecuted the case.