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Rhode Island prosecutor arrest review is underway after body camera footage captured Devon Flanagan’s heated words during her arrest. Newport police detained Flanagan, a special assistant attorney general, on Aug. 14 for trespassing outside a restaurant. The video shows Flanagan repeatedly asking an officer to turn off his body camera. She then identified herself by saying, “I’m an AG,” several times.
Confrontation with Police Officers
Officers asked a restaurant staff member whether they wanted the group trespassed. The staffer responded, “Trespass, yeah. Cuff ’em, please.” When police informed Flanagan she was trespassing, she disputed the claim. “We’re not trespassing, you haven’t notified us that we’re trespassing,” she insisted. An officer replied bluntly, “What did I just say to you? You’re trespassing.”
After being placed in a patrol car, Flanagan warned the officers, “Buddy, you’re gonna regret this.”
Attorney General’s Office Responds
Flanagan has served in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office for nearly seven years. She currently works in the criminal division’s appellate unit. A spokesperson confirmed the office is reviewing the incident but offered no further comment, citing personnel reasons.
Neronha Calls Incident Embarrassing
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha addressed the matter during a WPRO radio interview. He said Flanagan must take steps to address her actions, including an apology to Newport police. “Look, she’s put me in a bad position,” Neronha stated. “She’s embarrassed herself, humiliated herself, treated the Newport Police Department horribly.” Neronha added, “I’ve got 110 lawyers. She embarrassed all of them, in a sense.” However, he noted no final decision has been made regarding disciplinary action.
Fallout and Next Steps
The Rhode Island prosecutor arrest review highlights the seriousness of Flanagan’s actions and their potential impact on public trust. While she remains in her position, the attorney general emphasized accountability and respect toward law enforcement.
For now, Flanagan faces scrutiny not only from her office but also from the public, as Rhode Island watches closely how the case unfolds.
