Michigan Couple Arrested in Mexico Over Credit Card Dispute

JACKSON, Mich. — Paul and Christy Akeo, a couple from Jackson, Michigan, have been detained in a maximum-security prison in Cancun for the past 23 days after their vacation turned nightmarish when they were arrested upon arrival on March 4.

The couple, who are grandparents, were apprehended due to outstanding criminal fraud charges linked to disputed credit card transactions with Palace Resorts, a luxury vacation brand. Christy’s daughter, Lindsey Hull, revealed on Monday that their arrest was allegedly a retaliation for challenging transactions totaling $117,000 made on their American Express card.

According to Hull, American Express sided with the Akeos after a lengthy dispute and refunded the significant amount. After the couple’s membership with Palace Resorts was canceled, they continued to travel to Cancun without any incident until this arrest.

“This was intentional, it was knowing, it was calculated, and it was designed to extort them,” said John Manly, the attorney who represented the Akeos in their credit card dispute. “What they’re doing is holding two Americans hostage because they want them to pay them money.”

The family asserts that the Akeos are being denied medical care, with Hull claiming that her mother has lost 25 pounds due to an allergy to the food served in prison. Additionally, Hull mentioned the couple has been unable to adequately communicate with each other or with family.

“My parents are currently being held captive,” Hull stated. “They are being denied proper medical attention and public defamed by the Palace Resorts.”

In a statement, Hull described the couple’s treatment as inhumane, citing that her mother is suffering from a severe rash and other health issues exacerbated by the conditions of their prison stay.

Mexican authorities allege that the Akeos owe outstanding fees arising from their previous timeshare agreement. Hull argues that the couple never used the services they are accused of defrauding, and claims the issues with Palace Resorts had been resolved long before their arrival in Cancun.

Hull has reached out to multiple U.S. officials for assistance, including the FBI, state representatives, and the governor’s office, pleading that the matter be addressed urgently. “I have contacted my representatives and I need them to act,” she appealed.

U.S. Congressman Tom Barrett (R-Mich.) confirmed he is actively engaged in resolving the situation, stating, “I have been in contact with their family and will continue working with the White House, State Department, and law enforcement partners in Michigan to ensure this situation is resolved as urgently and safely as possible.”

The Akeos have appeared in court since their detention, and a judge has granted Palace Resorts an additional six months to present evidence against them, effectively prolonging their imprisonment. “This situation is causing unimaginable stress and anxiety for my family,” Hull said.

As of now, there is no set trial date, leaving the Akeos’ fate uncertain as they await further proceedings in the Mexican legal system.