Michigan Couple Released From Prison After Timeshare Dispute

A Michigan couple who spent nearly a month in a Mexican prison over a timeshare dispute has finally been released.

Paul and Christy Akeo from Spring Arbor were released on Thursday, according to Michigan Representative Tom Barrett's office.

Spring Arbor Couple Arrested in Cancun

The couple was detained shortly after their plane landed in Cancun on March 4. They were held in a maximum security prison in Mexico after being accused of defrauding a Cancun hotel chain.

The dispute began in November 2021 when the Palace Resorts claimed that Paul Akeo had signed a timeshare contract. After approximately $116,000 in charges appeared on the couple's credit card, Akeo canceled 13 transactions, claiming they were fraudulent.

As the couple set out on a Cancun vacation last month, their passports were flagged and they were arrested by Mexican authorities.

Criminal Charges Against Michigan Couple Dropped

The Michigan couple was released late Thursday (4/3) after criminal charges against them were dismissed. According to CNN, the Akeos have reached a reparation agreement with the company and have agreed to pay damages, which will then be distributed to three non-profit organizations.

The couple arrived back in the US early this morning (Friday, 4/4) and will soon be headed back to Michigan.

The couple's attorney, John Manly, gives credit to Representative Tom Barrett, who fought for their release, and thanked President Donald Trump, who he says was also involved in the case.