News Summary
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha announced that Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Flanagan will take a six-month unpaid leave following an incident during an arrest on August 14. Body camera footage revealed Flanagan threatening officers and attempting to persuade them to turn off their cameras, leading to widespread criticism. The Attorney General emphasized the need for respect and professionalism in law enforcement relationships, while Flanagan has expressed apologies to the officers involved. This incident raises questions about accountability within the Attorney General’s office.
Rhode Island Prosecutor Placed on Leave After Arrest Incident
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha has announced that Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Flanagan will be on a six-month unpaid leave due to her behavior during an arrest incident that occurred on August 14. The decision follows the release of body camera footage showing Flanagan instructing a Newport police officer that he would “regret” arresting her, leading to widespread criticism.
Attorney General Neronha commented on Flanagan’s actions, asserting that she mistreated the Newport Police Department and caused embarrassment to herself, the Attorney General’s office, and to him personally. The incident involved Flanagan accompanying an intoxicated woman named Veronica Hannan, which escalated when she attempted to persuade officers to turn off their body cameras, claiming it was standard procedure—a claim later determined to be incorrect by legal experts.
Details of the Incident
During the confrontation, Flanagan repeatedly identified her position as an Assistant Attorney General while resisting arrest. As officers placed her in a police cruiser, she allegedly expressed that the officers would “regret” her arrest. In light of her behavior, Flanagan has since issued letters of apology to the Newport police officers involved in the incident.
Flanagan faces a summons for willful trespass in connection with the events that unfolded outside the Clarke Cooke House restaurant. An arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday. Details regarding her salary reflect an annual compensation of approximately $113,000 according to state records.
Response from the Attorney General’s Office
On Monday, Attorney General Neronha met with the Newport police officers who were involved in the incident to apologize on behalf of his office, reinforcing the importance of promoting respect and professionalism in law enforcement relationships. Neronha expressed a desire for Flanagan to take this time away from her duties to reflect on her actions and to implement necessary changes in her life.
Background Context
This incident marks the second time in less than two years that a prosecutor from Neronha’s office has faced disciplinary action. In July 2022, a different prosecutor was charged with driving under the influence (DUI). Following this incident, that individual resigned but was later rehired with an increase in salary, raising questions regarding the protocols in handling such matters within the office.
Along with Flanagan, Veronica Hannan, a 34-year-old woman, was also arrested during the incident and was charged with willful trespass, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. She has entered a plea of not guilty to the charges against her. As these events develop, the Attorney General’s office faces increased scrutiny regarding its administrative practices and the accountability of its staff members.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- GoLocalProv: Assistant Attorney General on Leave
- Wikipedia
- Boston Globe: RI Prosecutor on Unpaid Leave
- Google Search: Devon Flanagan Hogan arrest
- Providence Journal: Bodycam Video of RI Prosecutor
- Encyclopedia Britannica
- CT Post: RI Prosecutor Arrested
- Google News: Rhode Island Prosecutor
- GoLocalProv: Neronha Refuses Comment on Arrest
- Google Scholar: Rhode Island attorney general
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