The Shocking Arrest Of A Rhode Island AG Staffer: 5 Key Facts About Devon Hogan Flanagan's Viral Bodycam Incident

The arrest of a high-ranking prosecutor in the Rhode Island Attorney General's office has become a national flashpoint, raising serious questions about the conduct of public officials and law enforcement accountability. As of today, December 15, 2025, the fallout from the August incident involving Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Hogan Flanagan continues to resonate across the state’s legal and political landscape.

The controversy stems from an incident in Newport where Flanagan was arrested for willful trespassing, but it was the subsequent release of police bodycam footage—where she repeatedly asserted her authority and warned officers they would "regret" the arrest—that thrust the story into the national spotlight. This deep dive uncovers the full timeline, the charges, her professional background, and the powerful disciplinary actions taken by Attorney General Peter Neronha's office in response to the viral video.

Special Assistant AG Devon Hogan Flanagan: A Detailed Biography

The individual at the center of the viral law enforcement confrontation is Devon Hogan Flanagan, a prosecutor who held the title of Special Assistant Attorney General within the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office. Her professional background is rooted in the legal systems of both Rhode Island and Connecticut, where she has strong ties.

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• Full Name: Devon Hogan Flanagan (also known by her maiden name, Devon Hogan).
• Age: 34 years old at the time of the incident.
• Title: Special Assistant Attorney General for the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office.
• Tenure: She has served as a Special Assistant AG since 2018.
• High School Education: Alumna of Danbury High School in Danbury, Connecticut.
• Undergraduate Education: Attended the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where she also played club soccer.
• Law School: Graduated from Suffolk University Law School.
• Previous Roles: Prior to her role in Rhode Island, she was a former Connecticut court clerk.
• Current Status: Placed on unpaid leave by Attorney General Peter Neronha following the arrest, pending an internal review and facing a promised "strong sanction."

The Newport Incident: Trespassing, Viral Footage, and the "I'm an AG!" Outburst

The arrest that sparked the national debate occurred on the night of August 14, 2025, in Newport, Rhode Island. The incident began at a local bistro or restaurant where Flanagan, along with a friend, was reportedly asked to leave by staff.

When the two women refused to comply with the staff's request, the Newport Police Department was called to the scene. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation and repeatedly asked Flanagan to leave the premises, but she remained defiant.

The situation escalated quickly, leading to the arrest of Flanagan on a misdemeanor charge of willful trespassing. However, the legal charge was overshadowed by the subsequent release of the police bodycam footage. This footage showed Flanagan engaging in a combative exchange with the arresting officers.

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In the video, Flanagan is heard repeatedly invoking her professional title in an apparent attempt to intimidate the officers and avoid arrest. The most quoted line from the footage was her statement, "I'm an AG!" followed by a clear warning: "You're going to regret this." This use of her position as a public official—a prosecutor who works closely with law enforcement—to demand preferential treatment immediately drew widespread condemnation from the public, legal experts, and political figures.

The bodycam footage controversy immediately went viral, generating millions of views and becoming a prime example in the ongoing national conversation about privilege, law enforcement accountability, and the conduct of individuals who enforce the law.

Legal Outcome and Professional Sanctions: The Aftermath of the Arrest

The legal process for Devon Hogan Flanagan concluded swiftly following the viral attention. Facing the misdemeanor charge of willful trespassing, Flanagan appeared in the 2nd Division District Court.

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In court, she entered a plea of "no contest." A no contest plea, or nolo contendere, means that the defendant accepts the evidence presented by the prosecution and agrees to the penalty without admitting guilt. This plea is often a strategy to avoid potential liability in a related civil lawsuit.

The professional repercussions from the incident were immediate and severe. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, the state’s chief law enforcement officer, quickly responded to the situation and the public outcry. AG Neronha stated that Flanagan had "mistreated the Newport Police Department and embarrassed herself, the Office, and frankly me."

Within days of the arrest, AG Neronha placed Special Assistant AG Flanagan on unpaid leave pending a full review of the incident. Furthermore, Neronha publicly promised that Flanagan would face a "strong sanction" for her conduct. This action underscored the seriousness with which the Attorney General’s office viewed the abuse of authority and the lack of respect shown to fellow law enforcement personnel.

The decision to place her on unpaid leave and pursue a strong sanction was widely seen as a necessary measure to maintain the integrity of the Attorney General's office and uphold the principle of equal justice under the law, regardless of a person's title or position. The controversy became a significant test for the office's commitment to public trust and ethical conduct.

Topical Authority and Context: Clarifying the AG Title

It is crucial for topical authority to clarify a common misconception arising from this case and the viral soundbite. Many national reports and social media discussions incorrectly referred to Flanagan as the "Rhode Island AG" or "Attorney General."

The actual, elected Attorney General of Rhode Island is Peter Neronha. Devon Hogan Flanagan held the title of Special Assistant Attorney General, which is a state prosecutor position within the AG’s office. She was a staff member, not the elected head of the office.

This distinction is vital for understanding the professional fallout. Flanagan was subject to the disciplinary authority of her employer, AG Neronha, who acted decisively to address the conduct of one of his prosecutors. The incident highlights the difference between an elected official and the staff who operate under their authority, yet whose actions can still profoundly impact the public perception of the entire office and the justice system. The case has led to a broader discussion on the ethical responsibilities of all public officials, especially those tasked with prosecuting crimes.

The Long-Term Impact on Public Trust and Accountability

The arrest and subsequent viral video of Devon Hogan Flanagan serve as a potent reminder of the power dynamics inherent in law enforcement interactions. The phrase "I'm an AG!" became a symbol of perceived entitlement and the potential for a two-tiered system of justice—one for the powerful and one for everyone else.

Attorney General Neronha's firm response, promising a "long road ahead of her" and a "strong sanction," was an attempt to mitigate the damage to public trust. The incident has contributed to the ongoing scrutiny of how law enforcement and judicial officials conduct themselves, both on and off duty. It reinforces the notion that those who hold positions of power in the justice system are held to an even higher standard of conduct and professionalism. The case will likely be studied for years as an example of how a single incident of poor judgment can quickly erode public confidence and lead to significant professional consequences. The focus remains on accountability and the necessity for all public servants, from the highest elected official to the newest staffer, to respect the rule of law and the officers who enforce it.