The Rhode Island state prosecutor whose arrest after declining to leave a Newport restaurant went viral on the internet is getting an unpaid six-month suspension.
“On August 14, Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Flanagan mistreated the Newport Police Department and embarrassed herself, the Office, and frankly me,” Attorney General Peter Neronha said in a statement Monday.
After meeting with Flanagan, Neronha said he placed her 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,” the AG 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.”
Police body cam footage shows that Flanagan declined to leave the outside of the Clarke Cook House, a Newport restaurant, after being asked to do so. She talked up her job as a prosecutor, told police to turn off their body cameras and said they would get in trouble for arresting her on a trespassing charge.
