Another out-of-state man heads to federal prison after cross-country narcotics deal

McALLEN, Texas - A 52-year-old Michigan man has been ordered to federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute 14 kilograms of cocaine.

Jose Taurus Burks pleaded guilty March 31, 2025.

U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has ordered Burks to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.

On May 9, 2023, Walter Lee Houze drove a Volkswagen Tiguan to the Border Patrol checkpoint in Sarita. Burks was in the passenger seat. Authorities referred the vehicle to secondary inspection where a K-9 alerted to its rear cargo area.

A search revealed 14.26 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside a black suitcase intermingled with clothing and laundry detergent beads belonging to Houze.

Burks admitted he was going to be paid to travel from Michigan to assist Houze in purchasing and transporting cocaine from Hidalgo County.

He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Houze, 61, of Chesterfield, Michigan, was sentenced Aug. 12, 2025, to 10 years in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.

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