PHOTO ID: news artice from CNN Paul and Christy Ake
A Michigan couple, Paul and Christy Akeo, find themselves in a dire situation after being arrested in Mexico on charges of defrauding a resort company over a timeshare payment dispute. The couple, who were vacationing in Cancún, Mexico, were detained on March 4, 2025, and are currently being held in a maximum-security prison, igniting a growing international legal and diplomatic dispute.
The Alleged Fraud and Arrest
According to Mexican authorities, the Akeos are accused of fraudulently disputing over $116,500 in charges related to their timeshare with Palace Resorts, a prominent resort chain in the region. The charges stem from a series of canceled credit card payments in 2022, allegedly orchestrated by the couple after they were dissatisfied with the services provided by the resort. This legal battle escalated when the Akeos were detained at the airport upon their arrival in Mexico for their vacation.
The charges, however, are being disputed by the Akeos’ family. Their daughter, Lindsey Hull, claims that the charges were canceled in good faith due to the resort’s failure to meet its service commitments. Hull asserts that American Express sided with the couple in their dispute and canceled the payments. According to Hull, the resort retaliated by having her parents arrested and demanding an astronomical $250,000 payment, alongside a non-disclosure agreement and a public apology, for their release.
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Allegations of Retaliation and Hostage Situation
The Akeos’ family has labeled their detention as unjust, with claims of retaliation by the resort company. Hull describes the couple’s ordeal as a hostage situation, stating that they are being held under extreme conditions without proper medical care or adequate communication. She reached out to U.S. authorities for help, including the U.S. Embassy and the FBI. The case has also drawn the attention of Michigan Congressman Tom Barrett, who is working alongside relevant agencies to ensure the couple’s release.
In addition to the charges related to the payment dispute, some reports suggest that the couple may have been accused of encouraging other guests to dispute payments, further complicating their legal standing. Palace Resorts claims that the Akeos’ actions have had a ripple effect on the resort’s operations, with other guests allegedly following suit.
Legal Process and Diplomatic Involvement
The legal proceedings for the Akeos are expected to be lengthy, with their next court date set for six months from now. This extended delay is partly due to the time needed for evidence collection and investigation. As of now, the couple remains in custody without a clear timeline for resolution.
The ongoing case has highlighted the challenges faced by tourists when legal disputes cross international borders, and it has raised concerns over the treatment of foreign nationals in foreign legal systems. U.S. officials have been closely monitoring the situation, with the family and their representatives pushing for a swift resolution.
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Public Outcry and Growing Support
The Akeos’ detention has sparked significant public outcry, with many criticizing the resort chain’s aggressive tactics and the Mexican authorities’ handling of the case. Legal experts and human rights advocates are calling for greater protections for tourists involved in legal disputes, particularly when issues arise from contractual agreements such as timeshares.
Support for the Akeos has been growing both in Michigan and internationally. The couple’s case has been widely discussed on social media, with many expressing concern for their well-being and calling on Mexican authorities to ensure fair treatment. Their daughter, Hull, remains committed to fighting for her parents’ release, continuously seeking help from the U.S. government and international legal bodies.
What’s Next for the Akeos?
While the situation remains uncertain, the Akeos’ case underscores the complexities of legal disputes involving foreign nationals in countries like Mexico. As the couple’s legal battle drags on, it remains to be seen how this case will unfold and what impact it will have on the broader issue of timeshare-related disputes in the region.
The Akeos’ story also serves as a cautionary tale for tourists considering timeshare investments abroad. As the legal process continues, it is clear that the resolution of this case could set a significant precedent for similar cases in the future.
