Newport, RI – A Rhode Island prosecutor was arrested outside a busy Newport restaurant after repeatedly demanding police officers turn off their body cameras, according to footage released by the Newport Police Department.
The Arrest at Clarke Cooke House
On the night of August 14, Devon Hogan Flanagan, a Special Assistant Attorney General who has worked for Rhode Island’s AG office for seven years, was taken into custody for trespassing. The incident occurred at the Clarke Cooke House on Bannister’s Wharf, one of Newport’s most well-known dining spots.
Police body camera video, obtained and published by Boston 25 News, shows Flanagan telling an officer multiple times:
“I want you to turn your body cam off.”
Restaurant Staff Requested Removal
During the exchange, an officer asked a host at the restaurant:
“Do you want them trespassed?”
The host replied, “Anything we can do.” Officers then informed Flanagan and another woman that they were trespassing and needed to leave. After refusing to comply, Flanagan was placed in handcuffs.
Escorted to Cruiser
As she was led outside, Flanagan identified herself by shouting:
“I’m an AG! I’m an AG!”
She then warned officers, “You’re going to regret this. You’re going to regret it.”
Despite her demands, the department confirmed the officer kept the body camera recording, noting that Flanagan was a suspect, not a victim.
Key Facts of the Case
- Devon Hogan Flanagan, age not disclosed, is a Special Assistant Attorney General in Rhode Island.
- Arrest took place on August 14, 2025, at the Clarke Cooke House in Newport.
- Flanagan was charged with trespassing after refusing to leave.
- She repeatedly asked officers to turn off body cameras during the arrest.
- Police confirmed the cameras remained on throughout the incident.
Body Cameras and Public Officials
This incident underscores the significance of body-worn cameras in modern policing. While designed to provide transparency and accountability, body cams also serve as critical evidence in situations where public officials are involved.
For law enforcement, refusing to deactivate the cameras aligns with policy standards, ensuring there is a clear, verifiable record of events. For citizens, the footage reinforces trust in the fairness of the process.
Fallout and Next Steps
The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office has not announced whether disciplinary measures will be taken against Flanagan. She has not publicly commented on the video or the circumstances of her arrest.
The case is expected to attract further scrutiny, given Flanagan’s high-profile position and the public’s expectation of integrity from legal professionals.
Closing Thoughts
The arrest of a state prosecutor who demanded officers switch off their body cameras raises pressing questions: Should public officials face stricter accountability standards when dealing with law enforcement? And does this case highlight why body cams are indispensable tools in policing today?
Do you believe prosecutors and other public officials should be held to higher standards when incidents like this occur? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
