(2 of 2)
Fisher concedes that misleading computer entries were made, but says that they were only to help project future revenues and not to indicate actual sales. He points a finger at Luisi's former second-in-command, Michael Tremper, 42, another senior vice president. Tremper has agreed to help the company unravel its records in exchange for an agreement that the company will not sue him. Fisher claims that his client is a scapegoat. Says he: "Ms. Luisi has been singled out as responsible for a $30 million mistake that was beyond her responsibility."
Last week Luisi was formally dismissed from the agency for "improper activities." Her lawyer says that she will wait to see how successful she is at finding another job before deciding whether to contest the firing. In the meantime, J. Walter Thompson has totally reorganized Luisi's department. The agency says it will no longer syndicate television programs on its own, and the troublesome time bank is being gradually abolished.