Since the initial reports of Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Hogan Flanagan’s arrest at The Clarke Cooke House, several new developments have surfaced that provide additional context to the Aug. 14 incident.
Arrest details from police records
According to the Newport Police Department’s arrest blotter, both Flanagan (identified as Devon F. Hogan, 34, of Warwick) and Veronica L. Hannan (34, of Westport, Connecticut) were arrested at 9:51 p.m. on Aug. 14 by Officer Adam Chiang.
The charges were:
- Devon Hogan Flanagan: Willful trespass (11-44-26(A))
- Veronica Hannan: Willful trespass (11-44-26(A)), disorderly conduct (11-45-1(A)), and resisting legal or illegal arrest (12-7-10)
The incident was initially logged in the police CAD system at 9:51 p.m. as case number 2025-112437 for “disorderly conduct/harassment” at Bannister’s Wharf, where The Clarke Cooke House is located.
Police chiefs association clarifies body camera policy
In relation to the incident, the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association issued a statement Wednesday clarifying the statewide body-worn camera policy. Chief Thomas F. Oates III emphasized that while officers may turn off cameras when speaking to witnesses or victims of crime, “the policy does not allow for an officer to turn off their camera at the request of a suspect.”
This directly contradicts Flanagan’s demand in the arrest video for officers to turn off their body cameras, further supporting Attorney General Peter Neronha’s assertion that she “misstated” the body camera protocol.
Context from busy night
Police records show the incident occurred during a particularly busy evening for Newport Police, with the department responding to 113 calls for service between Aug. 14-15, including multiple motor vehicle stops, domestic disturbances and other incidents throughout the downtown area.
The arrest has raised questions about prosecutorial conduct and whether Flanagan’s position as a state prosecutor influenced her behavior during the arrest. The attorney general’s office has not announced any disciplinary actions as of Wednesday.
Body camera footage from the Newport Police Department shows the arrest as it unfolded outside the restaurant.
Credit: Newport Police Department via Storyful. Watch on YouTube.
This story is developing and will be updated