White-Collared

Casting about for an expert to lecture its investigators on white-collar crime. California's department of justice hired a man with firsthand experience: Joseph L. Bentz Jr., who had avoided prosecution for his part in embezzling millions by agreeing to testify for the authorities. By all accounts, Bentz, 44, was an excellent instructor. "He was fascinating," recalls Roy G. Leyrer, who ran the program. "He was very willing to discuss all aspects of the con game. I wish I could get a few more guys like him. Policemen and other investigators came from all over the country to hear him."

Now Bentz's two-year tenure in the classroom has come to a sudden and inglorious end; he has been arrested in Oakland on 16 felony warrants charging, of course, white-collar crimes. Bentz, a tractor salesman, is accused of bilking purchasers and bouncing checks.

Bentz's new scrape with the law has not dampened Leyrer's enthusiasm for the course or for its teacher.

Says he: "Law enforcement needs input from these types of people.

You can't live in an ivory tower."

Would Leyrer take Bentz back again? "I'd certainly consider it," said the law official. Bentz's righteously aggrieved comment is what might be expected from an unappreciated teacher, or an old con man.

Says he from the jail where he is now awaiting trial: "After all I've done for law enforcement-and for them to treat me this way."

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