A Michigan couple has finally returned to the United States after spending nearly a month in a Mexican prison following a heated dispute with a timeshare company. Paul Akeo, a 58-year-old Navy veteran, and his wife Christy, 60, were detained upon arrival in Cancun on March 4, sparking an international legal battle that has drawn attention to consumer rights, corporate power, and diplomatic intervention.
The Akeos were accused of defrauding a hospitality company in Quintana Roo, where Cancun is located. However, their release was secured after a reparation agreement was reached, leading to the dismissal of their criminal charges. As part of the settlement, the couple agreed to pay damages, which were distributed to three nonprofit organizations in Mexico.
The dispute stemmed from a 2021 timeshare agreement between the Akeos and Palace Elite, a subsidiary of The Palace Company. According to the couple’s attorney, John Manly, they had successfully disputed charges with their credit card company, arguing that Palace Elite failed to deliver the promised services.
Speaking after their release, the Akeos described harrowing conditions inside the Mexican prison. “We had no access to phones or the internet,” Paul Akeo recalled, adding that he and his wife were even separated for nearly a week. Christy Akeo emphasized the difficulty of navigating the ordeal in a foreign country, particularly the language barriers they faced when trying to seek help.
Their attorney praised the relentless efforts of U.S. officials in securing their freedom, specifically recognizing Congressman Tom Barrett, Special Envoy Adam Boehler, and former President Donald Trump. Manly credited Trump’s direct involvement in pushing for their release.
Barrett’s office confirmed that he personally traveled to Cancun, camped outside the prison, and refused to leave until the couple was freed. The Akeos’ children, Lindsey Hull and Michael Lemke, expressed immense gratitude for Barrett’s intervention, stating that his actions embodied the military principle of never leaving an American behind.
Meanwhile, The Palace Company issued a statement acknowledging the resolution of the dispute, confirming that the contested amount of $116,587.84, originally refunded to the Akeos by American Express, would be donated to a Mexican nonprofit benefiting orphaned children. Both parties expressed regret that the situation had escalated to such an extent.
The Akeos’ legal team had previously condemned the company’s actions, claiming that the couple was unjustly imprisoned for simply disputing unauthorized charges. According to Manly, the company retaliated against them for their complaints on social media, where Christy Akeo had warned others about similar issues with Palace Resorts.
Mexican prosecutors had alleged that the Akeos canceled 13 credit card payments totaling more than $116,500, which constituted fraud. However, the couple insisted that they were merely exercising their consumer rights after Palace Resorts failed to fulfill contractual obligations.
The case has ignited broader discussions on the rights of travelers engaging in international business agreements and the extent to which corporations can leverage criminal charges to settle civil disputes. Legal experts warn that this could set a dangerous precedent for other American tourists facing similar accusations abroad.
As the Akeos recover from their ordeal, their family has confirmed that they will undergo medical evaluations for the illnesses and trauma they suffered during their imprisonment.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of international business disputes and the importance of due diligence when entering contractual agreements abroad. It also highlights the vital role of diplomatic efforts in protecting U.S. citizens from potential legal overreach in foreign jurisdictions.
