Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Flanagan will move from paid to unpaid leave beginning Monday following her widely publicized arrest earlier this week, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha’s office confirmed.
Flanagan, who earns about $113,000 annually, had initially been placed on paid leave after her arrest for trespassing in Newport. It remains unclear how long she will remain suspended as the Attorney General’s office conducts its review.
Bodycam Footage Sparks Outrage
Police body camera video shows Flanagan telling officers “I’m an AG! I’m an AG!” while resisting being escorted into a patrol car. She also warned, “You’re going to regret this.”
One officer responded bluntly: “Good for you, I don’t give a s—.”
Flanagan was ultimately arrested for trespassing after refusing to comply with police demands.
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Attorney General Condemns Behavior
AG Neronha called the incident “inexcusable behavior” in a radio interview, saying it had embarrassed the state’s legal staff.
“I’ve got 110 lawyers, she embarrassed all of them,” Neronha said. “There will be a strong, strong sanction here.”
He also suggested alcohol played a role, but stressed that was not an excuse.
During the incident, Flanagan allegedly told officers they were required by law to turn off their body cameras at a citizen’s request. Neronha confirmed this was “incorrect” and said she was “not thinking straight” at the time.
Neronha noted Flanagan previously had an “unblemished record” and was highly regarded by the Rhode Island bar. He said she has begun taking steps to apologize to the Newport Police Department.
Regardless of the employment outcome, Neronha said: “She’s humiliated herself. She’s going to have a long time coming back from this.”
