Cell use violates probation terms

By Ben Orcutt -- Daily Staff Writer

FRONT ROYAL — Former Warren County Jail trusty Basil John Chuppa recently found out the hard way that rules have to be obeyed.

Chuppa, 30, with a last known address of 497 Catlett Mountain Road, Front Royal, was found guilty of violating the terms of his probation on May 6 in Circuit Court as a result of possession of methamphetamine on March 18.

Circuit Court documents indicate that Judge Dennis L. Hupp revoked one year and nine months of a suspended sentence as a result of Chuppa's probation violation.

Sheriff's Office Capt. Steve Barr, who is in charge of the jail, said Wednesday that Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Nicholas L. Manthos spotted Chuppa outside the courthouse on a cell phone recently when Chuppa was a trusty.

Barr said that Manthos informed a deputy, who brought Chuppa back to jail.

Manthos confirmed that he spotted Chuppa using a cell phone and reported it.

"As a trusty, they're given special assignments and his was not being on a cell phone," Barr said. "We don't allow the trusties to have cell phones."

Barr said if a trusty is allowed to have a cell phone, they could use it to plan an escape or have someone bring them contraband.

Court records indicate that Chuppa pleaded guilty to escape without force while incarcerated at the Warren County Jail on Feb. 25, 2004.

An inmate earns the right to become a trusty based on good behavior, Barr said, adding that along with the privilege of being a trusty comes abiding by the rules.

"He was on his cell phone," Barr said. "That in itself was the violation."

Barr said that trusties have to be aware that when they're working around the courthouse, in addition to surveillance cameras and deputies keeping an eye on them, there are others who are aware of what the rules are and who keep a close watch.

"We have a lot of eyes on them, and they've always been good if they see something that doesn't look right, they'll make a quick call," Barr said.

Barr said authorities believe that Chuppa had his cell phone stashed somewhere in shrubbery around the courthouse. As a result of his actions, rather than being outside, doing chores and enjoying the summer weather, Chuppa is behind bars again for the lion's share of each day.

"I know he's hating life," Barr said.

* Contact Ben Orcutt at borcutt@nvdaily.com