Pomierski, Hennes working on defense one year later

UPLAND - One year after FBI and IRS agents confiscated records from their businesses, John Pomierski and John Hennes are preparing to defend themselves against charges of extortion, bribery and conspiracy.

Pomierski's attorney, Robert Schauer, said Pomierski is now focusing on his defense pending an Aug. 30 trial date.

"He's doing good. He would be like anybody with charges brought against him - concerned - but he is working hard on his defense and is in good spirits," Schauer said.

Agents raided Pomierski's home-based business, JP Construction, on June 10, 2010, along with Upland City Hall, JH Builders in Upland and Venture West Capital in Rancho Cucamonga.

Pomierski and Hennes, the owner of JH Builders, were named in an 11-count indictment on March 2, accusing them of extorting $45,000 in bribes from two Upland businesses.

Pomierski and Hennes pleaded not guilty on March 3 in federal court in Riverside.

Hennes, a former member of the city's Building Board of Appeals, is continuing his work as a contractor, said his attorney, Kenneth White.

"He's a respected contractor in the community, a respected church go-er and coach. He's still pursuing all that," White said.

"He's raising his two kids, who are actually young adults now, and we're working to defend this matter. I'm happy to have the opportunity to do that for him because he's a good guy."