Former S&L; Owner Pleads Innocent: Don R....

Former S&L; Owner Pleads Innocent: Don R. Dixon, former owner of Texas-based Vernon Savings & Loan, pleaded innocent to 38 federal charges in the collapse of his thrift three years ago. The charges include allegations that he illegally raised money for national political figures. U.S. District Judge Joe Fish set a trial date of Aug. 20. Dixon, who remains free on his own recognizance, was indicted June 13 in connection with the $1.3-billion collapse of the S&L; in 1987. The indictment alleged that Dixon used thousands of dollars from the thrift on pleasure trips, prostitutes and illegal contributions to politicians.