State Prosecutor Charged with Trespassing in Newport

Authorities in Newport, Rhode Island, charged a state prosecutor and her friends with trespassing after an incident at a restaurant on Thursday. Special Assistant Devon Hogan Flanagan was reportedly trying to put on weight when she and her companions were asked to leave the premises.

As per reports, local police were called to intervene when Flanagan refused to exit the restaurant. A body camera video shared by NBC 10 Wjar captured the encounter, showing Flanagan, her friend Veronica Hannan, and the responding officers. Throughout the exchange, Flanagan insisted that the officers turn off their body cameras, stating that “the protocol is to turn it off when a citizen requests you to turn it off.”

However, it’s important to note that Rhode Island law forbids officers from turning off body cameras, according to the report.

When officers informed them they were trespassing and needed to leave, Flanagan protested, asserting, “We’re not trespassing. You’re not notifying us that we’re trespassing.” Despite appearing inebriated, she made repeated references to her position within the Attorney General’s office.

After a few minutes, police handcuffed Flanagan and attempted to manage Hannan, who was becoming increasingly combative. The video shows her trying to escape from the officers, only to be restrained again.

Charges have been filed against Flanagan for trespassing, while Hannan faces charges that include trespassing, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest, as reported.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronya is looking into the matter. During a local radio interview, he mentioned, “She puts me in a bad position. She was embarrassed, humiliated herself, and treated the Newport Police Department horribly.”