The Michigan couple, who were jailed in Mexico for almost a month after challenged the charges related to Mexico’s timeshare, have returned to the US, their lawyers said Thursday.
Christy and Paul Akeo of Spring Arbor were “released from custody and returned to Lansing, Michigan,” their law firm said in a statement.
Quintana Roo’s state attorney said the couple had reached an agreement with Timeshare Company for a price they had not disclosed. The judge then dismissed the criminal case and ordered its release, the prosecutor’s office said.
The Akeos family says they are victims of “attempts of temptation and terror” by a Mexican timeshare company.
Palace Elite Resorts, a Mexican hospitality company, previously said the couple had scam it through a $117,000 chargeback on the American Express Card.
The couple purchased a timeshare membership with the company several years ago, Palace Elite Resorts said.
The company said it filed a complaint with Mexican prosecutors, which led to Achaos’ arrest.
The couple denied the allegations and said on Thursday their law firm was “captured at Celezo Cancun prison for 32 days.”
Akeos’ lawyer John Manly was previously called “all false” for fraud charges.
“Achaos is held because he succeeded in prosecuting the palace and providing services with the American Express.
The Akeo family thanked Special President Adam Borler on the hostage issue, Adam Borler and US Rep. Tom Barrett and President Donald Trump, who “hadid efforts to release Paul and Christy Akeo.”
Barrett went to Mexico and “camped in prison and made it clear that he wouldn’t go home without them,” the family said.
“Through the fourth week of consecutive fear and uncertainty, Rep. Barrett’s commitment to bringing his parents home safely has given us hope and security,” the Akeo family said.
Palace Elite Resort did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday night.
The prosecutor’s office said the money from the settlement would go to three nonprofit organizations.
“The prosecutor’s office will reiterate its commitment to relationships and social welfare and act in accordance with laws that ensure compensation for damages and respect for all involved parties,” the prosecutor said.
