(NewsNation) — A Michigan couple that had been held at a Mexican prison for a month over a timeshare dispute with a resort company was released Thursday.
Paul and Christy Akeo were freed from a maximum-security facility one day after a Michigan congressman, Republican Tom Barrett, visited the couple and publicized their plight.
Paul, Christy Akeo arrested in Mexico
The Akeos had been arrested in Cancún on March 4 after a high-end resort company accused the Spring Arbor couple of fraud. Advocates for the Akeos said the credit card dispute that entangled them did not merit the harsh conditions they experienced behind bars.
Speaking with NewsNation affiliate WLNS, the Akeos’ daughter, Lindsey Hull, alleged they had been held because they had challenged charges made on their American Express credit card by The Palace Company, owners of Palace Resorts.
When the Akeos arrived in Mexico, they went through customs, where Hull said a notice was placed on their passports, leading to their arrest.
“I mean, through the 21 days, we haven’t talked to my stepdad Paul not one time,” Hull said. “My mom usually gets a phone call a day. It’s not for very long at all. It’s basically a phone call she gets until somebody in the background will tell her to get off the phone, and then she has to hang up.”
Paul, Christy Akeo accused of defrauding Palace Resorts: Reports
Local Mexican outlets reported the Akeos have been charged with defrauding the Cancun hotel chain out of over $100,000. The Akeos allegedly signed a contract in Nov. 2021 to purchase a membership with the chain, giving credit card information for the hotel to charge monthly payments to.
Riviera Maya News, a Cancun-based newspaper, reported that Paul had fraudulently canceled 13 transactions that totaled over $116,000. This was equivalent to 2.4 million pesos at the time. Christy had allegedly shared messages on a Facebook page that described how they committed fraud against Palace Resorts.
Their daughter dismissed these claims, writing on social media that American Express sided with the Akeos.
“That’s why it’s so important to share our story and spread our truth,” wrote Hull in a message to NewsNation affiliate WLNS. “Truth will prevail.”
Paul, Christy Akeo freed from Mexico prison
Video from the congressman’s office showed the Akeos, in prison garb, leaving the prison and boarding a private jet to Lansing, Michigan. U.S. hostage negotiator Adam Boehler told Reuters, “They are in the plane right now.” The couple was accompanied by Barrett.
Family members were expected to receive them at midnight or 1 a.m. local time, said Mallory Wilson, a friend of the Akeo family.
“It’s been a day,” Wilson told “Banfield” on Thursday evening. “I’m elated to share that they’re finally coming home, and I think I had a little stroke when I saw Christy’s name come up on my phone.”
Dick Atkins, an attorney who specializes in foreign legal matters, said the problems the Akeos experienced are rare. More than 36 million U.S. residents go to Mexico each year, and only a small number, fewer than 500, are arrested, he said.
“I have a feeling that hotels, after this, will be more careful because there’s no doubt they’re going to lose business because of this,” Atkins said.