Ever had a night out go sideways? Most of us just slink away and hope nobody saw. But for Devin Hogan Flanagan, a high-ranking state prosecutor, a chaotic night in Newport didn't just stay in Newport. It went everywhere.
Who is Devin Hogan Flanagan?
If you've spent any time on social media lately, you've probably seen the bodycam footage. It’s gritty, a bit shaky, and features a woman repeatedly telling police officers exactly who she is. That woman is Devin Hogan Flanagan (sometimes referred to in public records as Devon Flanagan Hogan).
Until recently, she wasn't a household name. She was a Special Assistant Attorney General in Rhode Island. Basically, her job was to represent the state in criminal appeals. For seven years, she was the one arguing to keep people behind bars or upholding convictions. Then, on August 14, 2025, the roles flipped.
The Incident at the Clarke Cooke House
The story starts at the Clarke Cooke House, a legendary spot on Bannister’s Wharf. It’s the kind of place people go for fancy dinners and summer drinks. Around 9:50 p.m., things got messy.
Staff asked Flanagan and her friend, Veronica Hannan, to leave. They refused. When the Newport Police showed up, things didn't calm down—they escalated.
"I’m an AG"
This is the part that local news and "Above the Law" have been dissecting for weeks. In the bodycam video, Flanagan is heard demanding that officers turn off their cameras. She claimed it was "protocol" for them to do so upon a citizen's request.
Fact Check: It isn't. Newport Police Chief Ryan Duffy later clarified that officers are required to keep cameras rolling during arrests to ensure transparency.
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When the handcuffs came out, the threats started. "Buddy, you’re going to regret this," she told the arresting officer. She repeated her title—"I’m an AG"—multiple times, seemingly expecting the badge to act as a "get out of jail free" card. It didn't work.
The Legal Fallout
Flanagan was charged with willful trespass, a misdemeanor. In August 2025, she appeared in the 2nd Division District Court and pleaded no contest.
For those not in law school: a "no contest" plea means you aren't admitting guilt, but you’re accepting the evidence against you. The judge essentially treats it the same as a guilty plea for sentencing purposes.
Professional Consequences
While a trespassing charge might seem minor, the optics for the Attorney General's office were a nightmare. Her boss, Attorney General Peter Neronha, didn't pull any punches. He called the behavior "inexcusable" and noted that she embarrassed the 110 other lawyers in his office.
As of late 2025, Flanagan was placed on a six-month unpaid suspension. Her future in the office remains a giant question mark. Neronha has stated he wants to believe "our worst moments can inspire us to become better people," but the public pressure for her termination has been loud, especially from groups like the Rhode Island Republican Party.
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Why People Care So Much
This isn't just about a drunk night out. It’s about the double standard.
Public defenders and civil rights activists have pointed out the irony: Flanagan’s day job involved prosecuting people for the exact same types of behavior she displayed. There’s a specific kind of sting when someone who enforces the law acts like they are above it.
- The Power Dynamic: She used her professional title to try and intimidate a beat cop.
- The Misinformation: A state prosecutor misrepresenting the law (about bodycams) to the police is a bad look.
- The Viral Factor: In the age of TikTok and YouTube, "Do you know who I am?" moments never die.
Life Before the Headlines
Before the viral arrest, Flanagan had a relatively standard high-achieving background. She grew up in Danbury, Connecticut, and was a standout soccer player. She played as a defender for Catholic University of America, where she was a marketing major before heading to Suffolk University Law School.
She was, by most accounts, a "law-abiding, productive member of society" until that August night. Her attorney emphasized that she had no prior record and was simply "caught off guard" by the situation.
What Happens Next?
If you're following this case, the next few months are the "wait and see" period. Her suspension is meant to be a time for reflection and "corrective action," but the legal community in Rhode Island is divided.
What to keep an eye on:
- The Reinstatement Decision: Will Neronha actually let her back into the office after the six months are up?
- Career Pivot: Many lawyers in this position eventually move into private practice, where a misdemeanor trespass charge carries less weight than it does in a government prosecutor's office.
- Policy Changes: This incident has already sparked discussions in Rhode Island about stricter ethics codes for state attorneys regarding off-duty conduct.
It’s a tough lesson in how fast a reputation can crumble. One minute you’re the one arguing the law, and the next, you’re the cautionary tale on the evening news.
Actionable Insights:
If you ever find yourself in a legal dispute with law enforcement, remember that asserting a professional title rarely helps and often makes things worse. The best course of action is to remain silent and seek legal counsel immediately. For those interested in the transparency of the legal system, you can track the status of public employees via the Rhode Island Transparency Portal or follow the official updates from the Attorney General’s press office.