REGION

REGION
First-quarter dividends
YOUNGSTOWN -- United Community Financial Corp. declared a first-quarter dividend of 7.5 cents a share, payable June 16 to shareholders of record May 30.
It is the holding company of Home Savings and Loan Co. and Butler Wick Corp.
Ohio unemployment ratestays same as in March
COLUMBUS -- Ohio's unemployment rate was 6.2 percent in April, unchanged from the revised rate for March.
The rate for April of last year was 5.9 percent, said the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. County unemployment rates for April will be released later.
Ex-bank executive pleadsguilty to embezzlement
TOLEDO -- A former executive of a small-town bank pleaded guilty to embezzling nearly $50 million and investing much of it in gambling boats.
In an arrangement with prosecutors, Mark Miller pleaded guilty Friday to federal charges of embezzling and money laundering.
Prosecutors said the former chief executive of Oakwood Deposit Bank Co. embezzled $48.7 million since 1993, investing most of it in the gambling ventures.
He was arrested in February 2002. He faces a maximum of 50 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine, but Miller will be eligible for a lighter sentence, U.S. Attorney Thomas Karol said.
The plea agreement outlines a possible sentence estimate of 11 to 14 years in prison.
The final decision will be up to the judge.
From Vindicator staff and wire reports