Rhode Island Assistant AG Arrested After Demanding Bodycam Be Turned Off During Trespassing Incident

Newport, Rhode Island – Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Flanagan was arrested on August 14, 2025, in Newport, Rhode Island, after allegedly refusing to leave a restaurant and demanding police officers deactivate their body-worn cameras. The incident, captured on police bodycam footage, shows Flanagan invoking her position as an Assistant Attorney General during the confrontation. She faces a charge of willful trespassing following the events at the Clarke Cooke House restaurant.

Police responded to a call regarding an "unwanted party" at the establishment, where they encountered Flanagan and a companion, Veronica Hannan. During the interaction, Flanagan repeatedly told officers, "I want you to turn your bodycam off. Protocol is that you turn it off if a citizen requests... to turn it off." An officer responded, "Good for you. I don't give a sh*t," as the situation escalated towards her arrest.

Rhode Island's body-worn camera policy does not require officers to turn off their cameras upon a citizen's request, especially when the individual is a suspect, not a victim or witness. The Attorney General’s Office confirmed that Flanagan’s request did not align with state policy, which allows officers discretion to continue recording for transparency. The Newport Police Department stated that Flanagan was a suspect in a trespass investigation, justifying the continued recording.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha addressed the incident, stating that Flanagan "embarrassed herself, humiliated herself, treated the Newport Police Department horribly." Neronha indicated that his office immediately began a review of the matter, which he described as a personnel issue, and suggested that "a strong, strong sanction" is likely for Flanagan, who has worked in the Appellate Unit of the Criminal Division for about seven years.

Flanagan's companion, Veronica Hannan, was also arrested and charged with willful trespassing, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. Both women were reportedly uncooperative with police, and arrest reports indicate alcohol was involved in the incident. Flanagan was arraigned in court, and the Attorney General's Office has refrained from further comment pending the outcome of their internal review.