Michigan Couple Faces Difficulties in Mexican Prison Over Timeshare Dispute

News Summary

Paul Akeo and his wife Christy, from Michigan, find themselves in a dire situation in a Mexican prison after being accused of fraud related to a timeshare dispute. The couple canceled credit card payments totaling over $116,000 after their resort failed to deliver promised services. Their legal representative claims their arrest is retaliatory for disputing charges, and they have been held inmaximum-security detention for over twenty days awaiting legal proceedings. The case raises concerns about travelers’ rights and similar incidents involving hospitality companies in Mexico.

Michigan Couple Faces Difficulties in Mexican Prison Over Timeshare Dispute

The story of a couple from Michigan has taken a troubling turn as they find themselves caught in a serious legal battle down in Mexico. Paul Akeo, a 58-year-old Navy veteran, and his wife Christy, 60, recently embarked on a much-anticipated vacation to Cancun on March 4, only to be met with a shocking twist. Upon their arrival, they were arrested, with authorities accusing them of committing fraud against a hospitality company called *The Palace Company*.

A Look at the Accusations

The Palace Company, which oversees a subsidiary known as *Palace Elite*, has filed a criminal complaint against the Akeos, claiming that the couple canceled 13 credit card payments totaling over *$116,500* throughout 2022. The charges stem from a timeshare agreement the Akeos entered in 2021—though the couple insists that they were left high and dry when the resort didn’t deliver on the services they were promised.

In an effort to recover their costs, the Akeos decided to dispute these charges through their credit card provider, American Express, ultimately seeking a refund of nearly *$117,000*. Their daughter Lindsey Hull has shared the distressing news that they were informed that arrest warrants had been issued relating to these allegations of fraud.

The Allegations of Retaliation

The couple’s legal representative, John Manly, has suggested that their arrest stems from retaliation, mainly because they dared to dispute the charges and even express their frustrations about the company on social media. According to claims made by Mexican prosecutors, Christy had posted on her Facebook account about the fraud she and her husband allegedly experienced themselves, which they interpreted as further evidence of misconduct on the Akeos’s part.

Legal Proceedings and Detention Concerns

The U.S. State Department is currently aware of the situation, but detailed information regarding their case has not been made available. In an effort to help, Congressman Tom Barrett has stepped in, working with the family to navigate this complex legal landscape. Unfortunately, no trial date has been set yet, and the Palace Company has been granted a six-month period to gather additional evidence for their claim against the Akeos.

Family Perspectives and Broader Implications

The Akeo family perceives the entire ordeal as a case of *extortion* and *abuse of power* from the hospitality company, given the circumstances surrounding their vacation turned nightmare. As this story continues to unfold, there are growing fears among prospective travelers to Mexico, as incidents similar to the Akeos’ situation appear to be on the rise, particularly involving The Palace Company.

This unfortunate series of events raises questions about travelers’ rights when disputes arise over timeshare agreements, and how companies handle these disagreements, particularly in foreign jurisdictions. For anyone considering a vacation in Mexico, it’s essential to be informed about the potential pitfalls of timeshare contracts and to tread carefully when entering such agreements.

Final Thoughts

The Akeo case serves as a reminder that, while vacations are meant for relaxation and enjoyment, sometimes unexpected challenges can arise. As they await judicial proceedings, the Akeos’ story highlights the importance of understanding your rights as a traveler and the potential quandaries that can emerge in dealing with international hospitality companies.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• ABC7 News
• WZZM13
• Fox 47 News
• New York Post
• Wikipedia: Timeshare