A Michigan man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his role in a cross-country cocaine trafficking operation, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Walter Lee Houze, 61, pleaded guilty on March 31 to possession with intent to distribute 14 kilograms of cocaine. U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton handed down the sentence, which also includes five years of supervised release following imprisonment. The court emphasized the seriousness of Houze’s offense, noting that he possessed a firearm in connection with the narcotics crime.
The incident occurred on May 9, 2023, when Houze drove a Volkswagen Tiguan through the Border Patrol checkpoint in Sarita, Texas. Jose Taurus Burks was riding as a passenger. Authorities directed the vehicle to secondary inspection after a K-9 unit alerted officers to the rear cargo area. Officers found over 14 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside a black suitcase along with clothing and laundry detergent beads belonging to Houze.
According to officials, Burks admitted he was supposed to be paid for traveling from Michigan to help Houze purchase and transport cocaine from Hidalgo County.
After previously being released on bond, Houze was taken into custody following sentencing and will remain detained until transferred to a facility operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Burks, age 52 and from Harrison Township, Michigan, also pleaded guilty on March 31 and is awaiting sentencing scheduled for September 9.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol agents. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexa D. Parcell prosecuted the case.
