Many Americans are rightly appalled by the child sex trafficking allegations against longtime political operative and fundraiser Jeffrey Epstein. But the scourge of child sex trafficking is much bigger than one case. Sadly, it's a multi-billion dollar business

In April, Rutherford Institute President John Whitehead wrote a column that once again alerted the nation to a horrifying fact: that adults purchasing children for sex is a booming business in America. He cited stomach-wrenching statistics like adults paying to rape kids 2.5 million times each year. And while the statistics vary, there is no question that tens of thousands of American children are trapped in the sex trafficking trade and many more are at risk.

Whitehead’s column was entitled “The Essence of Evil: Sex with Children Has Become Big Business in America.” We are borrowing that title for this series.

In the first of three installments on “Essence of Evil,”, we examine just how big the problem of child sex trafficking is, what these victims tragically endure, and how this has become big business.

Also, be sure to heart Part 2 of this series, in which we learn how children are lured by predators and traffickers. We also tackle the disturbing question of why there such a huge demand among American adults for sex with children.

Finally, in Part 3 of “Essence of Evil,” we look at solutions to this crisis in our society and explore what lawmakers, law enforcement, communities, and families can do to protect children.

Listener discretion is advised, particularly if children are present.