Michigan couple detained in Mexico over timeshare dispute
- Paul and Christy Akeo have been detained in Mexico for nearly three weeks over allegations of fraud involving a timeshare contract.
- Palace Resorts claims the couple committed contract breaches and defrauded them through significant chargebacks.
- The case highlights the complexities surrounding international timeshare contracts and consumer protections.
In 2023, Paul and Christy Akeo, a couple from Michigan, were detained in Mexico following a complaint filed by Palace Elite Resorts regarding a timeshare contract. The couple had purchased a timeshare membership from Palace in 2021 and allegedly incurred significant chargebacks totaling $117,000 on their American Express card. The Akeos became embroiled in a legal conflict after they disputed Palace's charges, leading the company to claim they had committed fraud and breached their contract. Despite the Akeos' family asserting they were unaware of any outstanding warrant at the time of travel, the legal complexities surrounding timeshare contracts have resulted in their detainment that has extended for nearly three weeks. The State Department is aware of the Akeos’ situation and emphasizes its commitment to assist U.S. citizens abroad while refraining from commenting due to privacy concerns. Their attorney, John Manly, has countered the allegations of fraud as entirely false, characterizing the dispute as a civil matter rather than a criminal one. According to Manly, Palace's allegations stem from the couple's disputes with their charges and their outspoken criticism on social media, which he argues should not lead to criminal charges or incarceration. In a statement, Palace Resorts claims they operate within strict compliance with the law and maintain that the Akeos were promoting benefits in violation of their contracts. The resort company notified the Akeos about the alleged violations and claims they encouraged others to terminate their membership illegally. This serious escalation of a contractual dispute has raised discussions about the intersections of business, law, and personal freedoms, especially in foreign jurisdictions. As the Akeos remain detained, their daughter Lindsey Lemke Hull expresses concern for her parents' wellbeing, stating that they have faced intimidation concerning their dispute with the resort. The Akeos' case illustrates the complexities and potential dangers of international timeshare contracts and the serious ramifications of disputes that can arise, elevating a consumer issue to a potential criminal matter in a foreign country.