Rhode Island Prosecutor Arrested for Trespassing After Demanding Police Turn Off Body Cameras

A Rhode Island prosecutor is under scrutiny after allegedly demanding Newport police officers shut off their body cameras during an arrest for trespassing outside a popular restaurant.

According to the Newport Police Department, Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Hogan Flanagan and her friend, Veronica Hannan, were confronted by officers on Thursday evening following a call about an “unwanted party” outside the Clarke Cooke House restaurant.

In bodycam footage released by police, Flanagan can be heard telling officers, “I want you to turn your bodycam off. Protocol is that you turn it off. It’s a citizen request that you turn it off.” Officers repeatedly asked the women to leave the premises, with one staff member requesting they be removed, saying, “Anything we can do. Trespass, yes, cuff them, please.”

Despite officers urging them to cooperate, Flanagan resisted and invoked her title, stating, “I’m an AG. I’m an AG.” One officer responded, “Good for you. I don’t give a (expletive). Let’s go.” As she was placed into the cruiser, Flanagan warned officers, “You’re going to regret it.”

Authorities confirmed that Flanagan was “immediately uncooperative” and attempted to use her position to intimidate officers. The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office said her actions did not reflect official policy and launched an internal review.

Flanagan was later arraigned in court, officials said.