Lansing, Mich. – A Spring Arbor couple, Paul and Christy Akeo, have been held in a Mexican prison for weeks after being detained at the Cancun International Airport on March 4. The couple’s arrest stems from a contract dispute with Palace Resorts dating back to 2021, a matter they believed had already been resolved.
According to family members, the Akeos are being falsely accused of defrauding Palace Resorts out of more than $110,000. The dispute arose after the couple alleged that Palace Resorts had breached a timeshare agreement they had signed. Seeking legal counsel, the Akeos presented evidence to their bank, which agreed with their claims and canceled over $110,000 in payments. The family believed the issue had been settled, only to find themselves arrested upon arrival in Mexico.
The couple is now being held at the Centro de Reinserción Social de Cancún, a maximum-security facility. Michael Lemke, the Akeos’ son, described the situation as an ongoing nightmare. “The situation is incredibly unfortunate over something that seemed like it was done and over with,” Lemke said. “The big thing for us is just bringing them home.”
Family members, particularly the couple’s children, are concerned about their well-being, as conditions in the prison continue to deteriorate. The Akeos have reportedly experienced numerous health issues, particularly Christy, who has been served food that she is allergic to on several occasions. Her son shared that she has been suffering from severe rashes as a result, further complicating an already dire situation. “She’s only able to eat certain things, and the food served to her is making her condition worse,” Lemke explained.
The family’s concerns are compounded by the fact that a Mexican judge has granted Palace Resorts six months to gather evidence, meaning the Akeos could be detained for an extended period. As of now, the family has been able to speak with Christy on the phone, but they have yet to hear from Paul.
The U.S. government is aware of the situation, but so far, no agreement has been reached for the Akeos’ release. The lack of communication and the uncertainty surrounding their case have only heightened the emotional toll on their loved ones, who are desperately calling for action.
As their legal battle drags on, the Akeo family remains hopeful that their loved ones will be freed and returned home soon. In the meantime, they continue to push for a resolution, drawing attention to what they believe is an unjust and prolonged detention over a contractual dispute.
Family members are urging U.S. officials to take swift action to ensure the Akeos’ safety and expedite their release from the Mexican prison. The Akeo case has garnered national attention, sparking conversations about the complexities of international legal disputes and the vulnerability of citizens facing legal challenges abroad.
