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Rhode Island Prosecutor in Viral Arrest Video Placed on Unpaid Leave

The Attorney General shifted her to unpaid status pending an internal review triggered by the body-camera footage.

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Body cam footage of arrest of Assistant Attorney General Devon Hogan Flanagan provided by Newport Police Department

Overview

  • The Attorney General’s Office said Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Flanagan Hogan will move from paid to unpaid leave on Monday as the review proceeds.
  • Police charged her with misdemeanor willful trespass stemming from an Aug. 14 incident outside Newport’s Clarke Cooke House.
  • Body-worn camera video shows her asking officers to turn off their cameras, repeating “I’m an A.G.” multiple times, and telling an officer, “You’re going to regret this.”
  • Attorney General Peter Neronha called the behavior inexcusable and said he is weighing a strong sanction, and her arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 27.
  • Policy allows victims or witnesses to request body cameras be turned off, not people in confrontations, according to the attorney general and experts; separately, companion Veronica Hannan pleaded not guilty on Aug. 15 to trespass, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.