Rhode Island Prosecutor Faces Suspension After Arrest Incident

Clear Facts

• Devon Flanagan, Rhode Island assistant attorney general, was arrested for willful trespass on August 14 in Newport.
• She will serve six months of unpaid leave following behavior that included berating police officers and referencing her position.
• Flanagan pleaded no contest in court, and her case may be dismissed after six months if conditions are met.

Rhode Island Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Flanagan has been suspended without pay for six months after a publicized arrest at a Newport restaurant. Her conduct during the incident included insisting she was an attorney general and confronting police about body camera procedures.

“On Aug. 14, Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Flanagan mistreated the Newport Police Department and embarrassed herself, the Office, and frankly me,” Attorney General Peter Neronha said.

Police responded to reports of an intoxicated woman, Flanagan’s friend, refusing to leave the restaurant.

Body camera footage captured Flanagan telling officers, “I’m an AG! I’m an AG!” while resisting arrest and pressuring them to turn off their cameras. Flanagan said, “Protocol is that you turn it off if a citizen requests to turn it off.”

As she was taken to a patrol car, Flanagan declared, “You’re going to regret this. You’re going to regret it. I’m an A—.” Neronha criticized Flanagan for her actions and stated, “We hold our attorneys to the highest personal and professional standards, and Ms. Flanagan plainly did not meet those standards here.”

Neronha also clarified that citizens cannot direct officers to turn off body cameras, countering Flanagan’s claim.

“I sincerely hope she takes this time to reflect on the seriousness of her conduct and makes corrective changes in her life,” Neronha said. “She has a long road ahead of her, but I believe that in the long run, our worst moments can inspire us to become better people.”

Flanagan pleaded no contest in her arraignment. If she meets specific conditions, her case could be dismissed in six months. Her attorney declined to comment. Neronha said Flanagan “humiliated herself” and “embarrassed” all 110 attorneys in the office.

This incident has brought further scrutiny to the professional standards within Rhode Island’s legal system.

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