A Michigan couple has returned home after spending nearly a month in a Mexican maximum-security prison, the result of a payment dispute with a timeshare company that has sparked outrage and concern among American travelers.
Paul Akeo, a 58-year-old Navy veteran, and his wife Christy, 60, were arrested shortly after landing in Cancún on March 4. Mexican authorities accused the couple of defrauding Palace Elite, a subsidiary of The Palace Company, stemming from a 2021 timeshare agreement. The couple’s family and legal team have strongly denied the allegations, stating the Akeos were only disputing charges for services that were never delivered.
After weeks in harsh conditions, the Akeos were released once a reparation agreement was reached. The disputed amount of $116,587.84 was ultimately designated as a donation to three Mexican nonprofits benefiting orphaned children. While the case was closed and criminal charges dismissed, the trauma of the ordeal left a lasting mark on the couple and their family.
“This never should have happened,” said their attorney John Manly. “No American should be held hostage by a private company for exercising their right to dispute fraudulent charges.”
A Warning Sign for U.S. Travelers
This case is not just an isolated legal disagreement — it’s a warning. More and more Americans are raising red flags about how U.S. citizens are being treated in tourist-heavy regions of Mexico. The Akeos’ situation is a sobering example of how civil disputes — easily resolved through arbitration or courts in the U.S. — can become criminal matters abroad, with potentially devastating consequences.
“There are signs that American timeshare holders are increasingly vulnerable in Mexico,” said one travel consumer advocate. “The days of these being carefree vacation investments are over.”
Now is the Best Time to Sell Your Timeshare
If you own a timeshare in Mexico, now is the smartest time to consider selling — and not just for your peace of mind. Thanks to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), large corporations and hospitality groups can now legally purchase these timeshare agreements for tax write-offs. This opens the door to a streamlined exit for individual owners looking to offload their obligations.
Beyond convenience, selling now sends a strong message. When American citizens are treated unjustly, we shouldn’t continue supporting the very systems and companies that allow it. Choosing to exit a timeshare agreement — especially with developers involved in controversial legal tactics — is not only financially prudent, it’s a moral stand.
Public Outrage and Political Support
Michigan Rep. Tom Barrett played a crucial role in securing the couple’s release, even traveling to Cancún and personally advocating on their behalf. The couple’s children, Lindsey Hull and Michael Lemke, praised his unwavering efforts.
“He camped outside the prison and made it clear he wasn’t going home without them,” they said. “His actions reminded us that we don’t leave Americans behind.”
President Donald Trump also reportedly took an interest in the case, pushing for resolution behind the scenes.
A System in Need of Reform
The Palace Company maintains it acted within its rights, claiming the couple encouraged others on Facebook to dispute charges — a move they say constitutes fraud. But many see this as retaliation against consumers who dared to speak out.
“The bottom line is this was a civil contract dispute,” said Manly. “It never should have landed anyone in prison.”
The case has reignited scrutiny of timeshare agreements, particularly those governed under international jurisdictions. Social media communities have exploded with similar complaints, suggesting the Akeos’ story is just one of many.