- Christy & Paul Akeo are heading back to Michigan after spending a month in a Mexican prison
- This comes one day after Congressman Tom Barrett flew to Mexico to visit the Akeos
- Video shows the couple arriving in Lansing and embracing family as they reunited
UPDATE: 4:20 A.M., FRIDAY APRIL 4, 2025
LANSING, Mich. — Paul & Christy Akeo are sleeping on American soil for the first time in 30 days following their release from a maximum security prison in Mexico.
The Akeos arrived on a plane late Thursday night at Lansing Capital Region International Airport along with U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett (R-MI) and one of the congressman's staffers.
Christy Akeo and her daughter Lindsey Hull embraced each other tightly on the tarmac as they reunited for the first time in a month.
"I don't even know how we're going to repay or thank people," Christy Akeo said.
WATCH: SPRING ARBOR COUPLE HELD IN MEXICO FOR THREE WEEKS OVER TIMESHARE DISPUTE
The Akeos were arrested in Cancun last month and charged with committing fraud against Palace Resorts, a hotel resort the couple says they bought a timeshare from.
The couple was accused of defrauding the resort out of more than $116,000. Their attorney, John Manly, said that was the money the Akeos were refunded after challenging credit card charges from the resort.
Paul Akeo said the couple was cut off from communicating anyone outside of the prison during the first few days of their stay.
"We had no access to phones and internet," Paul Akeo said. "It was almost six days before I could even see [Christy].
WATCH: FRIENDS IN HORTON HANG ONTO HOPE FOR PAUL & CHRISTY AKEO'S RETURN FROM MEXICO
Three weeks after their arrest, the couple's daughter Lindsey Hull posted about her parents arrest on social media, garnering national attention.
It also got Congressman Barrett's attention. Barrett flew into Mexico on Wednesday and spoke with the Akeos inside the prison where they were held.
PHOTO: U.S. REP. TOM BARRETT VISITS PAUL & CHRISTY AKEO IN MEXICO
"I insisted that when I went down there that I wasn't going to leave empty-handed," Barrett said. "I wasn't going to leave without bringing them back.
About 24-hours after first meeting the Akeos, Barrett and the couple boarded a plane in Cancun bound for Lansing, Michigan.
Barrett said the deal to release the Akeos came together in the hours leading to their departure.
"There were some things that were getting a little bit uncertain in the end," Barrett said. "We were able to resolve those quickly. It took a lot of effort from all parties involved.
WATCH: 'GET THEM OUT': EFFORTS GROW TO BRING COUPLE JAILED IN MEXICO BACK TO MICHIGAN
Also partially involved in getting the Akeos home was President Donald Trump.
Congressman Barrett said the president sent a special envoy to help negotiate the release of the Akeos.
Barrett said the president is also celebrating the couple's return to the U.S.
"[President Trump] expressed his excitement on their behalf and welcomed them back to America," Barrett said. "Something that [the Akeos] were extremely thankful to see."
On the plane back to Michigan, the couple said they had their first french fries in over a month.
Now back home the couple is counting their blessings and are thankful to be back on American soil.
"Be grateful for what America has given us," Paul Akeo said.
"Be grateful for just the little things."
ORIGINAL STORY
After spending 30 days in a Mexican prison, Christy and Paul Akeo are on a plane heading back to Michigan.
The Akeos are expected to fly into Lansing International Airport around 11:30 p.m. Thursday.
The Akeos' release comes one day after U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett (R-MI) visited the couple in the Mexican prison they were being held.
A spokesperson for Congressman Tom Barrett and the Akeos attorney, John Manly, confirmed the couple's release to Fox 47 News.
The couple was arrested last month at Cancun International Airport on fraud charges.
The Akeos daughter, Lindsey Hull, shared the story of the Akeos arrest in a Facebook last week that garnered social media and national attention.
Paul and Christy Akeo are coming home. Mission accomplished. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/lZFJCsD0FO
— Congressman Tom Barrett (@RepTomBarrett) April 4, 2025
Want to see more local news? Visit the FOX47News Website.
For more news in your neighborhood, go to the In Your Neighborhood page on our website.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox.
Select from these options: Neighborhood News, Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines, and Daily Forecasts.
