Rhode Island Attorney General Declines to Comment on Assistant AG’s Arrest

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha chose not to comment on the recent arrest of Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Hogan Flanagan on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Flanagan was arrested on August 14 outside the Clarke Cooke House in Newport. He was charged with willful trespassing after he refused to leave when the restaurant asked him to.

The Newport Police body cameras captured Flanagan demanding that officers turn off their cameras. She said, “I’m an AG,” as they led her to a patrol vehicle. She warned, “You’re going to regret this,” before being placed in handcuffs. Veronica Hannan, her colleague, was arrested too. She faces charges for willful trespass, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.

When asked about Flanagan’s job status and possible discipline, Neronha’s office stayed quiet. A spokesperson reiterated that the matter involves personnel issues and declined further comment. Neronha said Flanagan might get an unpaid suspension if she stays on staff. He called her actions “inexcusable” and hinted that alcohol played a role in what happened.

The Attorney General’s Office started an internal review right after the arrests. It will share its findings when the investigation wraps up. No details on the timeline for that review have been released.