Unhappy Bartender Fights Charges

A Diamond Bar bartender arrested in June on charges of furnishing and selling cocaine has retained a lawyer and is vehemently denying the allegations.

Sherrie Calderon, 41, appeared in court Tuesday for a hearing that has been extended into September.

Calderon said she denies the allegations of the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control investigators, who arrested her and 33-year-old Francisco Ramirez on June 17 at .

Gerry Sanchez, a district administrator for Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), said an investigation began at the grill in May after receiving complaints of narcotics activity at the business.

Witnesses to the arrest said they were surprised that the bartender they knew was involved in the investigation.

"I thought when we came back in that Sherrie would be behind the counter and we could ask her what was wrong," patron Ted Watts said.

Calderon said she has since returned to work at the bar and that most customers have been supportive of her fight.

"I thought about it, and the regulars there were texting me and calling me to tell me to come back and they support me," Calderon said. "Overall, I've gotten a warm reception from everybody and business has picked back up."

Calderon said she is now preparing to foot the bill for a legal battle.

"I have a quad that I'm going to sell to pay my legal fees," Calderon said.

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