LEBANON — A tearful Nikki Gilmore was led away in handcuffs Tuesday after a judge rejected pleas to spare her a prison sentence.

        Warren County Common Pleas Judge P. Daniel Fedders sentenced Ms. Gilmore, 28, to two years in prison on each of three felony counts of tampering with evidence, and six months on each of two misdemeanor counts of falsification.

        The sentences will run concurrently, but Judge Fedders indicated that he would likely release Ms. Gilmore after six months if she behaves in prison.

        A former standout basketball player at Southern Illinois University, Ms. Gilmore last month was found guilty of twice making up reports that she was raped. Authorities said she planted threatening notes, condoms and other items at her residence.

        Before sentencing, Al and Carol Malich — who had taken in Ms. Gilmore two years ago — pleaded with the judge to keep her out of prison.

        “She needs a family,” Mr. Malich said. “Putting her in prison will not help her. In my heart, I believe she is innocent.”

        Her attorney, Kenneth Lawson, pointed out that the only physical harm done was to Ms. Gilmore herself, and he said she is being treated for emotional issues.

        “I don't know if a prison sentence will undo some of the treatment that she has received,” Mr. Lawson told the judge.

        But Judge Fedders said he was hoping to see some sign of remorse from Ms. Gilmore and was “amazed” that people could still say she is innocent.

        “You gave false information to the police ... claiming you'd been sexually assaulted,” the judge said. “You've got to understand that this is something that's not going to be tolerated.”

        In an interview before last month's verdict, Ms. Gilmore insisted that the attacks she alleged Sept. 18 and Nov. 9, 2000, did occur. She denied she planted any threatening notes or condoms stained with red food coloring at the Mason residence where she lived with the Malichs and their children.

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