Metals dealer pleads innocent to fraud charges.

The former Newport Beach businessman told a federal judge in Los Angeles earlier this week that he is not guilty of the 13 charges in connection with a precious-metals investment business he operated in 1980 and 1981. Kent Gordon Alexander, 39, is accused of taking $4 million from investors through his firm, Newport Investment Management Inc. Assistant U.S. Atty. Anita Dymant said Alexander is being held without bail at Terminal Island because “he is a serious flight risk.� Alexander, who had been living in Germany, waived extradition in December and was returned to California last week. Trial has been set for March 19.