by Newport, RI – A Rhode Island prosecutor is under scrutiny after she was arrested for alleged trespassing outside a popular Newport restaurant and was caught on body camera demanding officers shut off their recording devices. The incident, which quickly escalated, has prompted an internal review by the state Attorney General’s Office.
What Happened at Clarke Cooke House
According to the Newport Police Department, officers responded Thursday evening to a call of an “unwanted party” outside the Clarke Cooke House restaurant. When they arrived, they encountered Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Hogan Flanagan and her friend, Veronica Hannan, who were asked to leave the premises.
Police bodycam footage released by the department shows Flanagan repeatedly insisting that officers turn off their cameras.
“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,” she told officers, according to the video.
The officers, however, refused and continued their attempts to escort the women away.
Restaurant Asked for Trespass Enforcement
Video footage also captured an officer asking a restaurant staff member if he wanted the women removed.
“Anything we can do. Trespass, yes, cuff them please,” the man at the host station responded.
Police reports indicate that despite being asked to leave, Flanagan resisted and continued to argue that she had not been properly notified of trespassing.
Heated Exchange With Officers
The arrest quickly grew tense. Hannan tried to vouch for Flanagan, telling officers, “She’s a (expletive) lawyer. So she knows.”
Flanagan herself can be heard saying, “I’m an AG, I’m an AG,” in reference to her position with the Attorney General’s Office.
According to NY Post, One officer fired back bluntly: “Good for you. I don’t give a (expletive). Let’s go.”
As Flanagan was placed in the cruiser, she issued a final warning: “You’re going to regret it,” before the officer shut the door.
Attorney General’s Office Responds
The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office quickly issued a statement clarifying that Flanagan’s request to turn off the cameras was not in line with state policy.
According to spokesperson Timothy Rondeau, the rule allowing cameras to be shut off only applies to victims or witnesses of crimes — not individuals accused of unlawful conduct.
The Newport Police Department policy also notes that while officers may consider requests to stop recording, they are not required to obtain consent from the public in order to film.
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Internal Review Underway
Police reports indicate that Flanagan “was immediately uncooperative, questioning our authority and demanding I turn my body camera off.” She was arraigned in court following her arrest.
The Attorney General’s Office has confirmed that the matter is under review and emphasized that Flanagan’s actions do not reflect official procedures.
Broader Implications for Public Trust
This arrest raises broader concerns about accountability and public trust in law enforcement and prosecutors. The controversy touches on two hot-button issues: the role of body-worn cameras in ensuring transparency and the expectation that public officials be held to the same standards as the citizens they prosecute.
Experts note that attempts by government officials to undermine police accountability measures — such as bodycam footage — could erode confidence in the justice system.
What Comes Next
While Flanagan awaits further legal proceedings, the review by the Attorney General’s Office may determine whether she faces disciplinary action within her role. Trespassing is typically considered a misdemeanor, but the reputational fallout could have far-reaching effects.
For now, Newport residents and Rhode Island citizens are left grappling with the uncomfortable reality of a prosecutor caught on tape challenging the very accountability measures meant to protect the public.
What do you think? Should prosecutors and public officials face stricter consequences when they misuse their authority, or should this be treated as an isolated incident? Share your thoughts in the comments on ibwhsmag.com and join the discussion.
