Couple Held Hostage Over Credit Dispute
A Michigan couple held hostage in a Mexican prison for over three weeks claims their spring break trip turned into an international nightmare. Christy and Paul Akeo were arrested on March 4 in Cancun, allegedly due to a years-old financial conflict with a luxury resort.
The couple had just landed when Mexican authorities flagged their passports. Moments later, they were taken into custody on fraud charges and transferred to a maximum-security facility.
Years-Old Resort Charges Spark Arrest
According to the Akeos’ daughter, Lindsey Hull, the arrest stems from a billing dispute with Palace Resorts. The couple, longtime members of the vacation brand’s timeshare program, disputed $117,000 in charges on their American Express card three years ago. Eventually, AmEx sided with them, canceled the charges, and terminated their membership.
Despite multiple visits to Mexico since then, the couple faced no issues—until now.
Palace Resorts Accused of Retaliation
Hull claims the arrest is direct retaliation. “This is not justice. This is a foreign company using its influence to detain two innocent Americans,” she said in a Facebook post.
The family alleges Palace Resorts has demanded $250,000, a signed nondisclosure agreement, and a public apology—none of which guarantees their release.
Attorney John Manly, who handled the original dispute, agrees. “They are being held hostage,” he said. “This is extortion under the guise of legal proceedings.”
Medical Neglect and Isolation Behind Bars
Conditions inside the prison are dire, Hull says. Paul, a U.S. Navy veteran and current Michigan State Police officer, has received little to no communication access. Christy, meanwhile, is being served food she is allergic to and has developed a severe rash.
“She’s lost 25 pounds in 20 days,” Hull revealed. “They are aware of her allergies and still serve her those meals.”
So far, Hull has spoken to her stepfather just once. “It’s as if they’re being disappeared,” she said.
Mexican Court Denies House Arrest
In court, a Mexican judge sided with Palace Resorts, giving them six more months to gather evidence. A request for house arrest was also denied, meaning the couple must remain imprisoned throughout the proceedings.
“This was premeditated,” Manly argued. “They were targeted and are now being used as leverage.”
Officials and Politicians Take Notice
Hull says she’s contacted the U.S. Embassy, the FBI, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office. So far, responses have been minimal.
However, U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett (R-MI) has stepped in, stating on X, “I’ve spoken with the family and continue to work with the White House, State Department, and law enforcement to ensure the safe release of this couple.”
Family Fights for Freedom
With legal options narrowing, the Akeo family continues to plead for help. They’re urging lawmakers and human rights organizations to intervene before it’s too late.
“This isn’t just about money anymore,” Hull said. “This is about basic human rights. They are American citizens being used as pawns.”
