Former Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Twanda Carlisle today was sentenced to 12 to 24 months incarceration for her role in a kickback scheme that directed some $43,000 in city money to her personal and campaign accounts.

Backed by a half dozen supporters who pleaded for mercy, Ms. Carlisle urged Allegheny County Judge John Zottola to, "through the negative, let some positive light shine."

However, Judge Zottola said she "had great promise at one time, but now you have squandered all of that." Prison time can be waived for one-time acts, he noted. "There is another place in the law for those who plot and scheme on an ongoing basis to create a criminal enterprise."

Her lawyer, Patrick Thomassey, said he would file a motion today asking that she be permitted to serve her time at the Allegheny County jail or at home, rather than in a state penitentiary. Assistant District Attorney Lawrence N. Claus said his office would oppose anything other than state prison time.

Under state law, she is barred from ever again serving as a public official.

Judge Zottola ordered her to pay restitution into an account set up for the benefit of her former council district. Mr. Thomassey said Ms. Carlisle has identified more than $50,000 that can be used to pay restitution, including her city pension fund, a deferred compensation plan, escrowed city paychecks, and a fur coat.

Ms. Carlisle's co-conspirator and former aide, Sheryl Ann Pinson-Smith, was sentenced to eight to 23 months in prison, which could be served in the county jail or a halfway house.

Two other co-conspirators have yet to be sentenced.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.