Testimony and Controversy Involving LAPD’s Jessica Bell

Sgt. Jessica Bell found herself in the spotlight last year when she testified against senior leaders of the Los Angeles Police Department. She anticipated that her testimony would primarily focus on the Apple tracking device, AirTag.

The situation unfolded in 2023 when Bell discovered an AirTag hidden beneath a friend’s car during a weekend getaway in Palm Springs. She suspected that her ex-partner, Alfred “Al” Labrada, then a deputy chief at LAPD, had secretly placed it there to monitor her movements after their breakup. Following this, she got in touch with San Bernardino County authorities, which prompted an investigation.

By the time Bell, now 44, took the stand, prosecutors had opted not to press charges against Labrada. Meanwhile, Bell’s chances for a promotion within the LAPD were wavering. Labrada, once a leading candidate for the city’s next police chief, faced potential termination due to allegations of deceit during the disciplinary proceedings regarding his actions.

Disciplinary matters within the LAPD resemble private trials, protected by state laws that ensure officers’ privacy. Bell anticipated her testimony would remain confidential and would mainly touch on her discovery of the AirTag, as her lawyer stated.

However, the questioning took a personal turn, as Labrada’s legal team probed into her past marriage—something that her lawyer described as unnecessary and invasive.

The disciplinary committee ultimately found Labrada culpable for placing a tracking device, leading to his resignation from the department. Following this, details about Bell’s testimony began circulating among her colleagues, as highlighted in a recent lawsuit against Los Angeles.

This lawsuit is one of many filed by LAPD officers who claim they’ve faced retaliation after reporting suspected misconduct. Bell and others assert that their supposedly confidential testimonies during internal hearings were misused against them.

The lawsuit indicates that after her testimony against Labrada, Bell was denied a position in the training division of the department. Reportedly, Labrada is under investigation for multiple allegations, including the accusation that he lied during his disciplinary hearing.

Bell’s daughter testified that finding the hidden AirTag deeply traumatized her. Meanwhile, Bell, whose real name is Jessica Zamorano, has stayed quiet about the situation, only communicating through her lawyer regarding a complaint filed by Labrada against her.

The claims that she lied have prompted a new investigation by the state’s Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, putting Bell’s police license in jeopardy. She has also reached out to the Office of the Inspector General, expressing her initial fears of retaliation for cooperating in the investigation against Labrada.

Response from Bell’s attorney, Nicole Castronovo, showed dissatisfaction with how the LAPD has handled the situation, sensing that Labrada was continuing his “terroristic” behavior against her client.

Labrada, for his part, confirmed that he has filed multiple complaints against both Bell and her former domestic partner, Dawn Silva, who also serves in the LAPD. He accused Bell of making false claims, alleging that they stemmed from conversations with her ex-spouse. However, he noted that the disciplinary committee excluded outside witnesses, like her ex-husband, which he believed weakened his position.

Though Labrada admits to owning the AirTag, he insists it was not intended for tracking his ex-girlfriend. He framed the situation as being driven by financial interests of both Silva and Bell, and he has since pursued legal action against the city of Los Angeles and former Police Chief Michelle Moore, claiming conspiracy to undermine his position.

Interestingly, the state Law Enforcement Certification Commission cleared Labrada of any wrongdoing in the AirTag matter, allowing him to retain his badge. He has given interviews on various law enforcement podcasts, shedding light on what he sees as systemic abuse within the department, contrasting his treatment with how other senior officials have been handled in comparable situations.

Concerns about retaliation within the LAPD date back decades, with previous reports criticizing the department’s approach to such incidents. Despite having a policy in place against retaliation, officers who believe they’ve been wronged can file complaints but often hesitate—fearing repercussions like poor evaluations or worse. Some even resort to anonymous postings on social media to raise awareness about misconduct.

Commander Lillian Carranza, who has also faced legal challenges against the department, commented on Bell’s situation without going into specifics, suggesting that whistleblowers receive minimal protection and are often marginalized.

Bell’s struggles didn’t cease post-testimony. Despite being a 15-year veteran celebrated for her service in various roles, her job offer in the training division was suddenly withdrawn, with allegations that Labrada’s associates might have influenced this decision. A former captain left a heartfelt email just before changing stations, urging colleagues to support Bell. However, she soon learned that her offer had been rescinded without sufficient explanation, with suggestions that connections might have played a role.