Michigan Couple Released After Month in Mexican Prison Over Timeshare Dispute

The Akeos celebrate their release after a month in prison due to a timeshare dispute.

News Summary

A Michigan couple, Paul and Christy Akeo, spent nearly a month in a Mexican prison due to allegations connected to their timeshare agreement with Palace Elite. After their arrest shortly after arriving in Cancun, they faced accusations of credit card fraud related to disputed charges with American Express. Their release followed a reparation agreement with the timeshare company, which included donations to nonprofit organizations. Despite enduring harsh prison conditions, the couple expressed gratitude to their supporters and are now seeking medical treatment as they move forward from this traumatic experience.

Michigan Couple Released After Month in Mexican Prison Over Timeshare Dispute

What started as a much-anticipated vacation for a Michigan couple quickly turned into a nightmare. Paul Akeo, aged 58, and his wife Christy, who is 60, were released after spending nearly a month behind bars in a Mexican prison. Their troubles began upon arrival in Cancun on March 4.

Unexpected Arrest

The couple faced allegations of defrauding a hospitality company linked to their timeshare agreement. Specifically, they had a long-standing timeshare deal with Palace Elite, owned by The Palace Company, which led to their detainment. The Akeos’ family has consistently maintained that the fraud claims are completely unfounded.

From Vacation to Prison

The Akeos set off to Mexico eager for a sunny getaway. However, their plans were derailed when they were taken into custody soon after they landed. The charges against them centered around their attempts to dispute credit card charges with American Express. The couple argued that they had been shortchanged on the services promised by the timeshare company, leading them to seek financial redress.

Reparations and Release

After weeks of uncertainty and dire conditions in prison, the couple finally made a breakthrough by reaching a reparation agreement with Palace Elite. This agreement involved them paying damages that would be donated to three nonprofit organizations. Their release came late Thursday, much to the relief of their family and friends.

Conditions in Prison

Reports indicate that the couple endured “horrific conditions” during their time in detention. A local lawmaker, Rep. Tom Barrett, had visited the couple in prison and highlighted severe concerns regarding their health deteriorating while behind bars. Many supporters echoed these sentiments, labeling the conditions as inhumane.

Legal and Social Media Turmoil

The Akeos’ attorney, John Manly, characterized their experience as being held in a “hell hole” of a Mexican maximum-security prison. He contested the motivations behind the criminal charges, emphasizing that they stemmed from a civil dispute regarding the undisputed services of a timeshare.

Political Backing and Advocacy

The couple received assistance not just from their family but from officials who advocated for their timely release. With support from various lawmakers, including Rep. Barrett, efforts intensified to rally for their freedom. Expressions of gratitude have been plentiful, even reaching high levels of political acknowledgment for those who helped secure their release.

Accusations of Fraud

The Palace Company accused the Akeos of committing credit card fraud, alleging that they initiated disputes over services they claimed were not delivered. The couple’s financial decisions triggered an INTERPOL Red Notice that led to their arrest.

Moving Forward

After returning from their harrowing journey, the Akeos are now set to receive medical treatment for health issues that arose from their incarceration. Through the ordeal, the couple insists that their actions were merely retaliatory responses to poor service from the timeshare company, exacerbated by their social media complaints.

Gratitude and Healing

The Akeos expressed immense gratitude to those who supported them during their tumultuous experience. Their dedicated family and representatives worked tirelessly to ensure they received the attention and action they needed to regain their freedom. Now, they look forward to healing both physically and emotionally from this deeply unsettling chapter in their lives.