Yesterday, Representative Tom Barrett of Michigan took a stand by flying down to Cancun, Mexico, to secure the release of Spring Arbor couple Paul and Christy Akeo, imprisoned due to a timeshare agreement dispute with Palace Resorts. As per CBS News Detroit, the Akeos were apprehended on March 4 upon their arrival in Cancun. They are facing fraud charges from the resort company over allegations that they failed to adhere to the terms of their timeshare contracts and disputed credit card charges.
Palace Resorts contends that between 2016 and 2021, the couple entered into several contracts amounting to an investment of over $1.4 million for exclusive benefits, which they allegedly breached. According to Palace Resorts' claims stated by CBS News Detroit, the Akeos are accused of improperly sharing ways to "terminate" these memberships and profit from the situation. Barrett, aiming to shed light on this predicament and to seek their release vigorously, has criticized the Mexican authorities for what he claims is a simple contract dispute being blown out of proportion.
The Akeo family has expressed profound thanks to Barrett, with Lindsey Hull and Mike Lemke stating, “His efforts exemplify his commitment to not only our family, but our community as a whole, and we are forever grateful for his support and determination," according to a report by ClickOnDetroit. The couple's daughter alleges that American Express sided with the Akeos in the dispute, contending that Palace Resorts did not meet their contractual obligations.
After he visited Prison Cereso Cancún, Barrett described the jail conditions as horrific, with "rubbled walls, overcrowded cells, toilets that don't flush, and disgusting food.” He further mentioned that he met with the Quintana Roo Supreme Court president to try and expedite any possible relief, an effort coordinated with the Consulate General from the U.S. Department of State in Merida, according to ClickOnDetroit. The State Department has acknowledged the situation but has declined to offer more details due to privacy concerns related to the detention of U.S. citizens in Mexico.
As the family awaits the outcome and urgently hopes for a resolution, the Akeos and their advocate, John Manly, decry the actions of the Palace and its CEO, Gibran Chapur. Manly stated, as detailed by The Detroit News, "The charges are bogus, and Palace Resorts and (CEO) Gibran Chapur are the ones that can release them with a phone call."
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