The jury returned the innocent verdict Thursday night.

The girl testified that Dixon touched her twice on the buttocks and once on the breast as they wheeled a TV cart out of a room at the Monument Park 7th Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The incident happened on Aug. 24, 2002.

Dixon, who was relieved of his duties as a bishop after he was charged, testified that he did not realize where he was touching and was not seeking sexual gratification.

The charges were elevated to a first-degree felony because he was in a position of trust to the girl.

The girl said she was pushing the cart out the door ahead of Dixon when the cart got stuck. Then Dixon placed his hand on her buttocks, then on her chest with two or three fingers touching her breast and then on her buttocks again, she testified.

Dixon said he first tried to push her and the car through the door, then put his hand on her chest and pulled.

Following the verdict, Dixon said he had no malice toward his accuser.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D3.