Spring Arbor, Michigan – A couple from Michigan is currently facing legal troubles in Mexico after allegations of defrauding a hospitality company over a timeshare payment dispute. Paul Akeo, a 58-year-old Navy veteran, and his wife Christy, 60, were arrested upon their arrival in Cancun on March 4, with Mexican prosecutors accusing them of canceling credit card payments totaling over $116,500 to a hotel chain in 2022.
The case revolves around a timeshare agreement between the Akeos and Palace Elite – a subsidiary of The Palace Company. The couple’s family contends that Palace failed to deliver the promised services, leading them to file a complaint with their credit card company seeking a refund. However, prosecutors in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo claim that the canceled payments constituted fraud.
The Akeos are being detained pending ongoing proceedings, prompting their family to seek assistance from the United States government. Michigan Rep. Tom Barrett has assured the family of his efforts to resolve the situation swiftly and safely. While the US State Department is aware of the detention of the couple, they have not provided specific details on the case.
The couple’s attorney, John Manly, has raised concerns about the conditions of their detention, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. He accused The Palace Company of retaliating against the Akeos for challenging their charges and sharing their experience on social media. Additionally, Manly warned about the potential negative impact of the case on tourism in the region.
The dispute with The Palace Company has raised questions about the practices of the hospitality industry, with other individuals sharing similar experiences. Jenn Bartko, another consumer who had issues with Palace Elite Resorts, expressed reluctance to travel to Mexico following the Akeos’ ordeal. Bartko and her husband sought a refund after discovering discrepancies in their membership deal but faced resistance from the staff at the resort.
As concerns grow over the fairness of timeshare practices and consumer protection, the Akeos’ case underscores the complexities of international legal disputes. The family continues to advocate for the couple’s release while highlighting the broader implications of their situation. Efforts to address issues surrounding timeshares and consumer rights in the hospitality industry are likely to intensify in light of this incident.