Paul and Christy Akeo, an American couple from Michigan, have been imprisoned in a maximum-security Mexican prison since March 4, not due to violent or dangerous accusations, but because of a credit card dispute.

They were detained upon arrival in Cancun, flagged by customs due to fraud charges tied to a financial dispute with Palace Resorts. The couple had disputed over $116,000 in charges with American Express and won, yet now find themselves in a dire situation:

Accused and detained without bond.

Paul, a retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer with 21 years of service, and Christy, a devoted mother, are reportedly enduring harsh and inhumane conditions. Christy has allegedly lost 25 pounds in 20 days and is being given food she is allergic to, leaving her sick and untreated. Paul has reportedly not been allowed a single phone call.

And yet, a Mexican court has granted Palace Resorts six months to build a case while the Akeos are stuck behind bars in a foreign country.

The family and their attorneys argue that the judicial process has been unfair and that the couple should be granted bond while they fight the charges. 

Despite pleas to the American embassy and numerous government agencies, the Akeos remain trapped in a system that seems stacked against them.

We urge the U.S. government to step up and fight for Paul and Christy Akeo. They deserve a fair process, the right to bond, and basic human dignity. Time is running out, and their suffering cannot be ignored. Sign this petition and help bring them home.

Photo: Paul and Christy Akeo (Lindsey Hull)