CANCUN, MEXICO – A Michigan couple’s vacation to Cancun turned into a prolonged nightmare as they found themselves entangled in a legal quagmire over a timeshare dispute, leading to their arrest and detention in a Mexican jail for over three weeks. The arrest stems from a contract disagreement with Palace Resorts, a Florida-based company with properties throughout Mexico.
Lindsey Lemke, the daughter of the detained couple, explained that her parents had previously resolved the dispute by hiring a lawyer. They believed the issue was settled and decided to vacation in Cancun, only to be detained upon arrival at the airport. Mexican authorities cited outstanding charges of criminal fraud against them, despite the family’s belief that the matter was resolved.
Lemke’s mother remains distraught, unfamiliar with the complexities and alleged corruption of the Mexican legal system. She is particularly distressed by her separation from her husband, Paul A. Co, a 60-year-old U.S. Navy veteran and current employee of the Michigan State Police.
Lindsey Lemke, known for her achievements as a national champion gymnast at Michigan State and her role as a survivor in the Larry Nassar case, is now advocating for her parents’ release. She has called upon the U.S. government to intervene, emphasizing that two innocent Americans are being unjustly held over what she considers a civil dispute.
Efforts to reach Palace Resorts for comment have yet to yield a response. Meanwhile, recent court proceedings have granted the company an additional six months to gather evidence, meaning Lemke’s parents could remain in jail without a trial date set.
The legal process in Mexico has proven challenging, especially given the language barrier and the absence of a bond system that might allow the couple to assist in their defense. Their plight has prompted appeals to Michigan’s congressional delegation, including Senators and Representatives, to expedite their release.
The situation underscores the stark contrast between legal systems, where a financial disagreement that would typically be resolved civilly in the U.S. has led to criminal charges in Mexico. As the couple remains in custody, their family and supporters continue to seek diplomatic intervention to bring them home.