Another scandal rocks Rhode Island AG’s office after attorney’s embarrassing arrest goes viral

A recently released bodycam video shows Rhode Island Assistant Attorney General Devon Flanagan in a heated arrest, and her words are going viral. Flanagan, 34, was reportedly charged with willful trespass after refusing to leave a Newport restaurant on August 14, while bodycam footage shows her asking officers to turn off their cameras and identifying herself as a prosecutor—though police are not required to comply.

Another woman with Flanagan, 34-year-old Hannan, also reportedly faces charges after struggling with officers, now facing three misdemeanors including disorderly conduct, willful trespassing, and resisting arrest.

Reports state, Flanagan has been employed in the AG’s office for seven years in the criminal division’s appellate unit, and her case prompted an immediate internal review, though personnel rules prevent further comment. And, this isn’t the first incident under Attorney General Neronha’s watch: in 2022, Special Assistant AG Edward Mullaney was charged with DUI, resigned, and was later rehired with a raise despite a stated zero-tolerance policy.

As Flanagan awaits her disciplinary decision, both she and Hannan face misdemeanor charges in Rhode Island, carrying potential jail time or fines, though sentencing varies by case.