From beachside to behind bars—how a dream trip turned into a legal nightmare
- Replies 0
What was supposed to be a relaxing getaway to one of the most popular resort cities turned into a terrifying ordeal for one Michigan couple.
Instead of sandy beaches and room service, Paul and Christy Akeo found themselves behind bars.
Their story is more than a travel nightmare; it’s a wake-up call about the risks that can come with international timeshare disputes and the power of fine print gone wrong.
But shortly after landing, they were met by local authorities and detained over criminal fraud charges stemming from a 2021 timeshare dispute with Palace Elite, a hospitality company affiliated with The Palace Company.
According to prosecutors, the couple allegedly canceled 13 credit card payments worth more than $116,500 to the hotel group, a move seen as fraudulent under Mexican law.
However, the Akeos' family and attorney argue that the charges are baseless—and that the couple simply disputed payments for services they claim were never rendered.
Their attorney, John Manly, says they exercised their right to challenge the charges and later shared their negative experience in a private Facebook group with other travelers.
That’s when things took a turn. The Palace Company filed a criminal complaint in Mexico, accusing the couple of not only defrauding them but also encouraging others online to do the same.
The company alleges Christy’s social media posts detailed “using illegal and fraudulent means,” leading to a cease-and-desist letter in September 2024.
While the couple’s legal team argues this is clearly a civil matter being wrongfully criminalized, local prosecutors have pressed forward with fraud charges.
A Mexican judge has since ordered the couple to remain in custody while the case plays out, sparking concern from their family and US officials.
Michigan Rep. Tom Barrett has spoken out, urging swift action to resolve the case and bring the couple home safely. Meanwhile, the State Department has acknowledged the detention but has not released further details.
Their daughter, Lindsey Hull, says the family is extremely concerned about their health and safety, noting that “The urgency is beyond important because we have no idea what is happening to them at any time. Their lives are in danger. Their health is declining. We need to get these people home.”
“We just don’t have another option. They’re not going to be sitting in prison indefinitely,” he added.
Paul Akeo currently works as an engineer with the Michigan State Police, and Christy is a grandmother and small business owner.
The family fears that without intervention, they could remain detained indefinitely.
Though she successfully reversed over $8,000 in charges through her credit card company, she worries she could now face retaliation too.
“I’m not willing to try to find out because I don’t want to get stuck in a Mexican prison,” Bartko said.
She’s one of more than 100 customers who have reportedly filed complaints with Mexico’s consumer protection agency, PROFECO.
Have you ever dealt with timeshare troubles while abroad? Do you think customers should face criminal charges over financial disputes? Share your thoughts in the comments. The GrayVine community is here to support and inform—because knowledge is your best travel companion.
Also read:
Instead of sandy beaches and room service, Paul and Christy Akeo found themselves behind bars.
Their story is more than a travel nightmare; it’s a wake-up call about the risks that can come with international timeshare disputes and the power of fine print gone wrong.
From Vacation to Incarceration
Paul, a 58-year-old Navy veteran, and his wife Christy, 60, were en route to Cancun, Mexico, on March 4 for what they thought would be a peaceful trip.But shortly after landing, they were met by local authorities and detained over criminal fraud charges stemming from a 2021 timeshare dispute with Palace Elite, a hospitality company affiliated with The Palace Company.
A Michigan couple was detained in a Mexican prison following a payment dispute. Image source: NewsNation / YouTube
According to prosecutors, the couple allegedly canceled 13 credit card payments worth more than $116,500 to the hotel group, a move seen as fraudulent under Mexican law.
However, the Akeos' family and attorney argue that the charges are baseless—and that the couple simply disputed payments for services they claim were never rendered.
A Dispute That Escalated
The Akeos maintain they tried to resolve the issue through their credit card provider after the resort failed to fulfill its contractual promises.Their attorney, John Manly, says they exercised their right to challenge the charges and later shared their negative experience in a private Facebook group with other travelers.
That’s when things took a turn. The Palace Company filed a criminal complaint in Mexico, accusing the couple of not only defrauding them but also encouraging others online to do the same.
The company alleges Christy’s social media posts detailed “using illegal and fraudulent means,” leading to a cease-and-desist letter in September 2024.
Civil Dispute or Criminal Overreach?
While the couple’s legal team argues this is clearly a civil matter being wrongfully criminalized, local prosecutors have pressed forward with fraud charges.
A Mexican judge has since ordered the couple to remain in custody while the case plays out, sparking concern from their family and US officials.
Michigan Rep. Tom Barrett has spoken out, urging swift action to resolve the case and bring the couple home safely. Meanwhile, the State Department has acknowledged the detention but has not released further details.
“Hell Hole” Conditions
The couple is currently being held in a maximum-security prison that their lawyer describes as a “hell hole.”Their daughter, Lindsey Hull, says the family is extremely concerned about their health and safety, noting that “The urgency is beyond important because we have no idea what is happening to them at any time. Their lives are in danger. Their health is declining. We need to get these people home.”
“We just don’t have another option. They’re not going to be sitting in prison indefinitely,” he added.
Paul Akeo currently works as an engineer with the Michigan State Police, and Christy is a grandmother and small business owner.
The family fears that without intervention, they could remain detained indefinitely.
A Chilling Effect on Tourism
Their arrest has sent shockwaves through the travel community. Jenn Bartko, another Palace Elite customer, told CNN that she and her husband are now afraid to return to Mexico after a similar dispute.Though she successfully reversed over $8,000 in charges through her credit card company, she worries she could now face retaliation too.
“I’m not willing to try to find out because I don’t want to get stuck in a Mexican prison,” Bartko said.
She’s one of more than 100 customers who have reportedly filed complaints with Mexico’s consumer protection agency, PROFECO.
Also read:
