Despite a tearful apology yesterday to a judge and a final plea for mercy, former City Councilwoman Twanda D. Carlisle was ordered to serve her sentence for corruption in a state penitentiary.

Common Pleas Judge John A. Zottola recommended that she be held in a minimum-security facility beginning March 10.

Ms. Carlisle wiped tears from her eyes throughout the 40-minute proceeding.

Her attorney, Patrick J. Thomassey, called her to stand before the judge and clarify any perception that she was not contrite when Judge Zottola sentenced her earlier this month to one to two years in prison for moving $43,160 of city money through consultants to personal and campaign bank accounts.