DETROIT — After being detained for over a month in a Mexican prison amidst a timeshare contract dispute, a couple from Lansing, Michigan has returned to the United States, thanks to diplomatic efforts between U.S. and Mexican authorities.
Paul and Christy Akeo’s release came on Thursday from a maximum-security facility in Cancun, as confirmed by their attorney. The ongoing U.S.-Mexico discussions touch on several points of tension, including economic tariffs and drug trafficking concerns, emphasizing the broader diplomatic context at play.
The issue dates back to November 2021 when the Akeos entered into a contract with Palace Co., a Mexican hospitality company, to purchase a timeshare membership in Cancun. By the following year, the couple objected to $116,000 in credit card charges, arguing that the timeshare agreement had been breached, leading American Express to side with them after a review.
Quintana Roo prosecutors highlighted that Palace Co. found out through their credit card provider that several transactions had been reversed. The company claimed the Akeos boasted online about deceiving the hotel chain. However, the Akeos’ attorney clarified that the nature of the social media posts by Christy Akeo was misrepresented by officials.
Their arrest occurred on March 4 at Cancun International Airport, where they had arrived for a separate vacation. This arrest was captured by the media, and they were held pending trial. Following the arrest, their children, both with notable public profiles, took to social media to raise awareness and seek support, which drew the attention of U.S. Representative Tom Barrett.
Rep. Barrett recounted that upon learning of the detention, he utilized personal connections to reach out to the family, elevating the matter to both the State Department and the White House. Unsatisfied with the lack of progress, Barrett traveled to Mexico himself, meeting with U.S. consulate officials, the couple, and Mexican judicial authorities.
In a resolution reached with Palace Co., the Akeos agreed to a financial donation in lieu of the disputed funds instead of pursuing further legal action. This agreement facilitated their release, highlighting the nature of the case as a contractual disagreement rather than a criminal matter.
Palace Co. stated that the disputed amount of $116,587.84 would be donated to a legitimate nonprofit supporting orphaned children in Mexico, expressing regret over the situation.
In gratitude, the Akeos’ family expressed appreciation to those involved in securing their release, emphasizing the ordeal’s emotional toll. Notably, Lindsey Lemke Hull, one of the Akeos’ children, was a victim of the notorious sports medicine doctor Larry Nassar.
Through concerted diplomatic and legal efforts, the Michigan couple has now safely returned to the U.S., highlighting the complexities of international contractual disputes and the critical role of effective advocacy.