In a dramatic and highly publicized incident, Devon Flanagan, a 34-year-old Rhode Island Special Assistant Attorney General, found herself at the center of a controversy that has rocked the state’s legal community. On August 14, 2025, Flanagan was arrested for trespassing outside a Newport restaurant, an event captured on police body camera footage that quickly went viral. Her behavior repeatedly invoking her title, demanding officers turn off their cameras, and warning they would “regret” arresting her led to swift consequences: a no contest plea, a six-month unpaid suspension, and public outcry. This story explores the incident, the legal fallout, and the broader implications for accountability in public office.
The Incident at Clarke Cooke House
The trouble began late on August 14 at Clarke Cooke House, a popular restaurant on Bannister’s Wharf in Newport, Rhode Island. Flanagan, also known by her married name Devon Hogan, was with a friend, 34-year-old Veronica Hannan, when restaurant staff called police to report an “unwanted party.” The reasons for their refusal to leave remain unclear, but body camera footage released by Newport police paints a vivid picture of the confrontation that followed.
As officers approached, Flanagan immediately demanded they turn off their body cameras, claiming it was “protocol” for citizens’ requests. “I’m an AG,” she repeated nearly a dozen times, referencing her role as a Special Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Division’s Appellate Unit. When told they were trespassing and needed to leave, she argued, “We’re not trespassing. You haven’t notified us that we’re trespassing.” The situation escalated, with Flanagan warning an officer, “Buddy, you’re gonna regret this. You’re gonna regret it,” as she was handcuffed and placed in a police cruiser. Hannan, also arrested, faced charges of disorderly conduct, willful trespassing, and resisting arrest.
The footage, which spread rapidly online, showed Flanagan attempting to leverage her position to avoid arrest, a move that Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha called “inexcusable.” The incident, involving alcohol according to police reports, was a stark contrast to the professionalism expected of a prosecutor, sparking intense scrutiny.
A No Contest Plea and Consequences
Flanagan appeared in court to address the misdemeanor willful trespassing charge. She entered a nolo contendere plea, meaning she accepted the penalty without formally admitting guilt. The court imposed a six-month filing, which could lead to the case’s dismissal if she avoids further trouble. She was also ordered to stay away from Clarke Cooke House. Hannan, her friend, pleaded no contest to resisting arrest, with her other charges dismissed, and received a similar six-month filing.
The professional fallout was swift and severe. On August 25, Neronha placed Flanagan on a six-month unpaid leave, effective immediately, stating, “She mistreated the Newport Police Department and embarrassed herself, the Office, and frankly me.” He emphasized the high standards expected of his attorneys, noting Flanagan “plainly did not meet those standards.” Neronha also met with the involved officers to apologize on behalf of his office, and Flanagan sent individual apology letters to each, expressing remorse.
The Rhode Island Republican Party demanded her immediate firing, calling her conduct “disgraceful” and reflective of an arrogance that “Rhode Islanders are sick of.” Neronha, however, has not yet decided whether to retain her, saying he was still weighing her future with the office. Flanagan, who earns approximately $113,000 annually and has worked for the Attorney General’s office since April 2018, faces an uncertain career path.
A Community and State React
The viral video amplified public reaction, with many praising the Newport police for their restraint and professionalism. “These officers showed the poise and integrity that Ms. Flanagan clearly lacked,” said Joseph Powers of the Rhode Island Republican Party. Social media posts echoed this sentiment, with users on X condemning her behavior as entitled and unbefitting a public servant. “She thought her title would get her out of it,” one post read, capturing the public’s frustration.
The incident also sparked broader discussions about accountability for public officials. Flanagan’s attempt to use her position to influence police drew comparisons to similar cases where authority was misused. Her incorrect claim about body camera protocol Rhode Island policy allows officers to turn off cameras only for victims or witnesses in non-confrontational settings further undermined her credibility as a lawyer who should know better.
A Personal Reckoning
Neronha noted Flanagan’s remorse, saying she was “really remorseful” and took responsibility after watching the footage of her arrest. “She knows better,” he told WPRO radio, adding that her actions embarrassed the 110 lawyers in his office. Flanagan, a Suffolk Law graduate who previously worked as a Connecticut court clerk and in the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office, has a long road ahead to rebuild her reputation. Neronha expressed hope that she would use her suspension to “reflect on the seriousness of her conduct” and make “corrective changes.”
The case also highlights the personal toll of public missteps. Flanagan’s LinkedIn page, since taken down, detailed her seven-year tenure with the Attorney General’s office, where she argued cases before the state Supreme Court. Her fall from grace, captured in a viral moment, underscores the fragility of a professional reputation built over years.
A Call for Accountability
This incident serves as a reminder of the expectations placed on those in positions of power. Flanagan’s behavior, while not a violent crime, betrayed the trust of the public she served, raising questions about privilege and accountability. The Newport police’s handling of the situation, refusing to bow to her title, has been lauded as a model of impartiality. For Rhode Island, the case is a moment to reflect on how public servants are held to account and what it means to uphold justice, both in and out of the courtroom.
As Flanagan’s suspension unfolds, the state watches closely, wondering if this will be a turning point for her or the end of her legal career. For now, the story of her arrest and plea is a cautionary tale about the consequences of a single, ill-judged moment.
