A Michigan couple, Christy and Paul Akeo, have been detained in a Mexican prison for over three weeks after a disagreement over their timeshare in Cancun. They were arrested on fraud charges related to disputing credit card charges from a timeshare they purchased at a resort in Cancun in 2021. The Akeos’ daughter, Lindsey Lemke Hull, expressed fear for her parents’ safety as they are held in difficult conditions in prison.
The attorney representing the Akeos believes that Paul is being targeted because he is a veteran and an employee of the Michigan State Police. He claims that the couple is being held as political prisoners due to ongoing tensions between the United States and Mexico. The prison where the Akeos are being held is described as dangerous, filled with cartel members, drug dealers, rapists, and murderers.
The dispute between the Akeos and the resort company, Palace Elite Resorts, stems from the couple’s complaint to American Express about the resort breaching their contract. After the credit card company sided with the Akeos and issued a chargeback of over $116,000, the Palace Company accused the couple of defrauding them out of more than $100,000. The Akeos’ attorney contests the resort’s claims and argues that the matter should have been resolved in a civil suit.
Following the dispute with the Palace Company, Mexican authorities issued an arrest warrant for the Akeos, leading to their detention. The Akeos were offered a restitution agreement by the Palace Company, which included a payment of $250,000, an admission of guilt, and a public apology in exchange for their release. Their daughter refused to make the payment, and the couple remains in custody pending trial.
The Akeos did not sign a proposed non-disparagement agreement that would have prevented them from making negative comments about Palace Elite Resorts. Christy Akeo had joined a Facebook group for dissatisfied Palace members and became a moderator, leading to tensions with the resort company. An INTERPOL Red Notice has been issued for the couple, and they will remain in custody until their trial proceeds.
Michigan Representative Tom Barrett has been made aware of the Akeos’ situation and is working to assist in resolving it. The State Department is also aware of the case and is providing support to the Akeos. The couple’s daughter and attorney are hoping for intervention from former President Trump to secure her parents’ release. The situation remains unresolved, with the Akeos facing legal battles in Mexico over their timeshare dispute.
