Michigan couple jailed in Mexico over timeshare dispute returns home

In early March 2025, Paul and Christy Akeo, a couple from Spring Arbor, Michigan, traveled to Cancun, Mexico, where they faced arrest shortly after landing. They were charged with fraud relating to a disputed timeshare contract with Palace Resorts, a resort company that accused them of breaching their membership agreement. Following a protracted legal struggle, which included their detention in a maximum-security prison, their ordeal came to an end after a settlement was reached. The details of the agreement were not publicly disclosed, but it resulted in the criminal case being dismissed and their release. This situation stemmed from the Akeos' previous membership with Palace Elite Resorts, where they claimed to have encountered various issues regarding service delivery. Tensions escalated after Paul Akeo filed a complaint with American Express, which sided with him and issued a chargeback on more than $116,000. Subsequently, Palace Resorts initiated legal proceedings against the Akeos, which led to their arrests. Reports indicate that the implication of fraud charges by Palace Resorts was perceived as a tactic of intimidation against those challenging the company's practices. Rep. Tom Barrett visited Mexico during the couple's detention, advocating for their release due to their deteriorating physical condition. He publicly expressed the necessity of their return home, stating that no American should be held captive by a private company's demands. The couple's family and legal representation criticized the circumstances surrounding their arrest, asserting that the actions taken by the resort constituted an extortion attempt. Legal counsel claimed that the case was a violation of their rights rather than a legitimate criminal matter. Following their release, the Akeos returned home, bringing attention to the vulnerabilities faced by individuals involved in international disputes over timeshares. Their story has highlighted the complexities and potential dangers of timeshare ownership, particularly in foreign jurisdictions where laws may differ significantly from those in the United States. The outcome of this case prompts further discussion on consumer rights and the need for legal protections against potential abuses by corporations operating in the tourism industry.