Rhode Island Prosecutor Arrested for Demanding Body Cams Off During Trespassing Incident

A shocking incident of abuse of power was reported on Thursday evening in Newport, Rhode Island, where a special assistant attorney general was arrested for trespassing and attempting to use her position to pressure police into shutting off their body cameras. According to the Newport Police Department, the situation escalated as the woman, identified as Devon Hogan Flanagan, and her friend, Veronica Hannan, resisted leaving the restaurant and continued to ask for the cameras to be turned off.

Key Takeaways:

• Devon Hogan Flanagan, a special assistant attorney general, was arrested for trespassing at Clarke Cooke House restaurant in Newport, Rhode Island.
• Flanagan demanded that police officers shut off their body cameras during the incident, which contradicts state policy that applies only to crime victims and witnesses.
• Newport police policy states that officers can keep recording regardless of consent, and Flanagan's request was deemed unwarranted.
• The Attorney General's Office has opened a review of the case, and Flanagan was arraigned in court following the incident.
• The police report described Flanagan as "immediately uncooperative, questioning our authority and demanding I turn my body camera off."
• Flanagan's friend, Veronica Hannan, was also present during the incident and was heard defending Flanagan's actions, claiming that she is a lawyer.

Statistics:

• 1: The number of body cameras allegedly requested to be turned off by Flanagan.
• 1: The number of friends present with Flanagan during the incident, Veronica Hannan.
• Thursday: The evening of the incident, as reported by the Newport Police Department.
• 1: The number of court arraignments following the incident, according to officials.

Sources:

• [NBC10](https://www.nbc10.com)
• [The Boston Globe](https://www.bostoonglobe.com)
• [Newport Police Department](https://newportripd.com)
• [Hindustan Times](https://www.hindustantimes.com)