Pittsburg, PENNSYLVANIA

April 10, 2008 - An Allegheny County judge has refused to endorse an early prison release for former Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Twanda Carlisle.

Carlisle pleaded no contest to 17 charges of theft, perjury, violating ethics laws and conspiracy for taking $43,000 in kickbacks from three friends described as "consultants."

The Department of Corrections sent letters last month to Zottola and Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. indicating Carlisle is being considered for a halfway house program after she serves six months in prison and seeking their input. Common Pleas Judge John A. Zottola thought the one to two year sentence was appropriate, a sentence that the judge reaffirmed February 28.

One of the reports she commissioned which supposedly surveyed the health needs of Carlisle's East End district, cost taxpayers $29,000. Chris Potter, of the Pittsburg City Paper examined the report that, "By an amazing coincidence, the report's author, Lee Johnson, happens to live with Carlisle's mother." Amusing story. It took two years for the Council President to ask for an investigation into her "spending practices."

"The Rise and Fall of Twanda Carlisle" chonicles a woman with expensive tastes and few ethics. While "The fur flies: Pelts pop up everywhere from a city scandal to the office" examined the fur industry trends and Ms. Carlisle's $4,494 mink coat that Judge Zappala ordered to be surrendered to be sold for restitution.