Rhode Island Prosecutor Arrested, Placed on Unpaid Leave
Recent reports indicate that a Rhode Island prosecutor was arrested earlier this week under questionable circumstances. Devon Flanagan, who held a position with the Attorney General’s office, allegedly attempted to leverage her role to evade arrest. Following the incident, she has been placed on unpaid leave.
Initially, after her arrest for trespassing, Flanagan was put on paid leave, but this status will change on Monday. The Attorney General’s office has stated that the length of her unpaid leave remains uncertain as they continue to evaluate the situation. However, they did not provide specific details on when a final decision regarding her employment might be made.
Flanagan reportedly earned around $113,000 a year as a Special Assistant Attorney General. Eyewitness accounts, including bodycam footage from her arrest, captured her expressing frustration, insisting, “I’m an AG!” while attempting to resist police orders. At one point, an officer is heard responding dismissively to her remarks.
In the aftermath, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha characterized Flanagan’s behavior as “unforgivable” and suggested that serious consequences would follow. This isn’t the first incident of its kind within his team, highlighting a troubling pattern. Neronha noted that while managing over a hundred lawyers, he rarely encountered such issues.
He also shared his belief that the arrest might have been alcohol-related but reminded everyone that previous commendations for Flanagan’s work made this situation even more disappointing. The Attorney General indicated that despite her unblemished record, he couldn’t overlook the current incident.
Neronha did mention the challenges of finding capable lawyers, hinting that decisions regarding Flanagan’s future would have to be made with careful consideration. He emphasized that actions would have to be taken, though he acknowledged the complexities involved.
As the investigation continues, Flanagan’s future remains uncertain, leaving many to wonder about the implications of her actions and what they might mean for her career.
