A Rhode Island special assistant attorney general who, during a confrontation with Newport police, told officers, “You’re going to regret this,” has been placed on unpaid leave for six months, the attorney general said.
Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Hogan Flanagan and a friend had been asked to leave Clarke Cooke House in Newport when officers arrived on Aug. 14, body camera video showed.
After an argument that resulted in their arrests, Flanagan told the officers, “You’re going to regret this,” and “I’m an AG,” the video showed.
“Flanagan mistreated the Newport Police Department and embarrassed herself, the Office, and frankly me,” Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha said in a statement.
He said he met with Flanagan on Monday and told her she was placed on unpaid leave for six months.
“I sincerely hope she takes this time to reflect on the seriousness of her conduct and makes corrective changes in her life,” Neronha said. “She has a long road ahead of her, but I believe that in the long run, our worst moments can inspire us to become better people.”
Flanagan is a special assistant attorney general who has been on the job for seven years and is assigned to the Criminal Division’s Appellate Unit, the state attorney general’s office has said.
Neronha said in an interview with WPRO Radio on Aug. 19 that Flanagan regretted the incident.
“She’s really remorseful, and she takes responsibility — and that doesn’t surprise me, knowing who she is,” Neronha said.
