The Epstein case is unlikely to produce arrests of powerful people, a bad sign for anyone hoping for accountability.

• Alex Jones says the trail is cold and the big names will never be charged.
• His claim: the worst evidence was destroyed early, including chemicals ordered to dissolve material as soon as the investigation began.
• That leaves the surviving young women as the main witnesses, and many were pulled into the scheme themselves.
• Because those witnesses are compromised, the case stays contained and never reaches the top.

Outlook: Expect the story to keep circulating without new charges against high-profile figures.