JACKSON COUNTY, Mich. – The family of Paul and Christy Akeo reported that the couple is currently in a maximum-security prison in Cancun without bail.
Loved ones say this situation arose after the pair challenged credit card charges.
A state attorney general’s office reported the couple is wanted for fraud committed against a hotel chain. Allegations against them reportedly date back a few years.
Instead of checking into their hotel upon arrival, they found police waiting for them earlier this month.
Mexican authorities claim they have evidence linking Paul and Christy Akeo to the alleged defrauding of a hotel chain.
“The scariest thing is they’ve been there for 21 days and we’ve had no contact with my stepdad Paul at all,” said Lindsey Hull, their daughter.
Lindsey Hull mentioned that she has only been able to speak with her mother and even that communication has been inconsistent.
So, how did a mid-Michigan couple end up in detention at their vacation destination?
Mexican officials reported that the couple signed a contract to buy a club membership at a hotel chain in November 2021. Monthly charges were made on a card.
Between August and November 2022, the hotel learned that the bank had canceled 13 transactions totaling more than $116,000—approximately 2.4 million Mexican pesos at the exchange rate at that time.
Mexican authorities allege that Christy Akeo shared on social media how they reportedly committed the fraud.
In March 2025, police arrested the couple.
Loved ones claim the couple believe the unpaid credit charges were already settled.
“Palace Resorts breached the contract, and they’re retaliating and they’re extorting them because of it,” Lindsey Hull said.
