Smyrna police are investigating the owner of a local immigration-assistance business after multiple clients say they shelled out thousands of dollars for help that never really arrived. The alleged victims report paying fees for work permits and residency paperwork, only to see almost no follow-up. In at least one case, a federal denial letter left a client staring down possible deportation. The business, Hispanos Exitosos, markets itself to Spanish-speaking residents as an “immigration annex” that connects clients with legal services.
Smyrna police have confirmed there is an active investigation, and a spokesman for the Tennessee attorney general's office said staff is reviewing complaints, according to WSMV. One client told investigators he paid $3,000 in January 2025 to have his application handled and later received a USCIS denial letter that gave him 87 days to respond. Another person reported paying $1,800 for a work permit that police say was never completed. Since 2024, two additional people have filed police reports alleging theft and mishandled filings, according to the station's reporting.
Clients And A Former Worker Say Files Were Mishandled
Former receptionist Juana Alcantar filed a police report accusing owner Laura Ward of taking payments without providing the services that were promised, and she told reporters she was personally promised asylum paperwork that never appeared. Other clients say that after they paid for filings, contact with the business dried up. One client said an outside attorney later found irregularities in forms that had been submitted in his name. Detective Monroe of the Smyrna Police Department told Telemundo Nashville that earlier complaints had already prompted a referral to the district attorney.
Business Listings And Public Records
Hispanos Exitosos lists a Smyrna office and gives 1370 Hazelwood Drive as a contact location on its site, according to Legalimigrationgroup.com. Public trademark records show a Tennessee entity registered at that address and include a September 23, 2025, application for the Hispanos Exitosos name, according to the database at USPTO.report.
Legal Review And Potential Charges
Tennessee law bars the unlicensed practice of law and authorizes the attorney general to seek injunctions, civil penalties, and restitution when someone engages in the business of law without a license. Under Justia, which publishes Tennessee Code § 23-3-103, the attorney general may seek up to $10,000 per violation, along with restitution for victims, and certain knowing violations can be prosecuted as crimes. If investigators determine that legal filings were prepared or legal advice was given by someone without proper licensure, the case could trigger both civil lawsuits and criminal charges.
Where The Probe Stands
Reporters say Ward initially agreed to an interview but then asked to speak with an attorney and stopped responding. At her home, a man who identified himself as her husband accepted copies of police reports, according to WSMV. Smyrna police say the investigation remains ongoing, and the Tennessee attorney general's office continues to review complaints. Authorities are urging anyone who believes they were harmed by the business to contact Smyrna police or the appropriate legal authorities while the review moves forward.
