Who is Devon Hogan Flanagan? Rhode Island AG Responds After Viral Arrest Video

Devon Hogan Flanagan, a Special Assistant Attorney General in Rhode Island, was arrested on August 14, 2025, for trespassing at Clarke Cooke House, a Newport restaurant. The incident, captured in bodycam footage that quickly went viral, showed Flanagan repeatedly identifying herself as “an AG” in an attempt to avoid arrest.

Flanagan, who joined the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office in 2018 after serving as an assistant district attorney in Suffolk County, is a graduate of Suffolk Law. Records show she previously earned less than $48,000 annually during her time in Massachusetts before moving to Rhode Island’s AG office.

Speaking on WPRO radio, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha addressed the controversy on August 19. He described the incident as unacceptable, stating, “I think it’s alcohol related. I have to give it some more thought, but inexcusable behavior…I’m not sure what she was thinking. Clearly she was not thinking straight.”

Neronha further warned of disciplinary action, saying, “There will be a suspension without pay, if I retain her, for sure. So she’s not going to continue as if nothing happened. She’s humiliated herself. Regardless of what happens vis a vis her employment with us, she’s going to have a long time coming back from this. It’s just really unfortunate.”

According to The Providence Journal, police were called to the restaurant around 9:51 p.m. after reports of an “unwanted party.” Officers asked Flanagan and her friend, identified as Veronica Hannan, to leave. When they refused, staff confirmed they wanted the pair removed for trespassing.

In footage obtained by NBC News, Flanagan requested, “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.” Despite multiple warnings, she continued to assert her position, saying “I’m an AG” nearly a dozen times before being handcuffed.

Once in the cruiser, Flanagan allegedly threatened an officer, saying, “Buddy, you’re going to regret this. You’re going to regret it. I’m an AG.”

Flanagan now faces a charge of willful trespass and is scheduled to appear in court. Hannan, who reportedly slipped out of her cuffs and kicked the cruiser door, faces charges of trespassing, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.