A Michigan man and woman, both aged 60, Paul and Christy Akeo, have been held in a maximum-security Mexican prison since March 4, 2025, after they were arrested at Cancún International Airport. The couple was arrested on fraud charges arising from a financial contest with Palace Resorts, a luxury vacation firm with operations in Mexico and Jamaica.
The Akeos’ legal issue started about three years ago when they challenged a $116,587 charge on their American Express credit card. The charges involved their timeshare membership with Palace Resorts. The Akeos challenged the fees, and American Express sided with them, refunding the sum and later revoking their membership with the resort firm.
Even after the credit card issue was resolved, the couple went on to enjoy Cancún incident-free until their recent detention. Mexican authorities say that the Akeos committed fraud by filing false claims of disputed charges, resulting in their detention without bond. Palace Resorts have been given an additional six months to present evidence, during which the couple will be kept in jail.
The daughter of the couple, Lindsey Lemke Hull, has also expressed outrage over how they were treated in prison, stating that they are being deprived of proper medical attention and communication. She states that her mother lost 25 pounds from food allergies and contracted a bad rash that is still untreated. Hull claims that the arrest is retaliatory, saying Palace Resorts is asking for $250,000 a nondisclosure agreement, and a public apology in exchange for their release.
In reaction to the event, U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Mich.) has met with the White House, State Department, and law enforcement officials to push the couple’s release. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico is also assisting, although the family is still looking for wider public and governmental action.
Palace Resorts released a statement claiming the Akeos falsely contested legitimate credit card transactions and urged others to do so as well. The company holds that Mexican prosecutors examined the evidence, resulting in the issuance of a court-approved arrest warrant and the couple’s detention.
This case highlights the intricacies and potential dangers of cross-border financial disputes, especially over timeshare contracts. It points to the need to be aware of local legislation and the possible legal consequences of conducting financial business overseas.
