Phoenix man indicted on child sex trafficking charges tied to area known as ‘The Blade’

PHOENIX — A 21-year-old Phoenix man has been indicted on three counts of child sex trafficking involving a 16-year-old girl, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

Prosecutors say the teen was found in an area known as “The Blade,” a three-mile stretch along 27th Avenue from Indian School Road to Northern Avenue that authorities describe as a known spot for prostitution and sex trafficking. The corridor is also near Grand Canyon University.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said complaints from the university and neighbors prompted increased law enforcement efforts in the area.

“This is really hurting our community, because they’re seeing literally at the foot of their drives,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell said the area along 27th Avenue has been known for trafficking activity for more than a decade.

“What we’re hearing on a national level is that it’s third behind only New Orleans and Las Vegas in terms of its concentration of, you know, sex trafficking activity,” Mitchell said.

On Friday after sunset, women could be seen walking along the streets and talking with drivers who stopped. Mitchell said neighbors have reported additional criminal activity.

“You see drugs with that. You see needles. You see, neighbors have reported seeing used condoms. You see violent acts taking place, so all of the criminal element just kind of moves into that kind of place,” she said.

In August, multiple Valley law enforcement agencies began Operation New Beginning to combat sex trafficking and prostitution in the area.

In one case, Phoenix police said they found a 16-year-old girl, reportedly waving at cars while wearing scantily clad clothing, who was being trafficked. Mitchell said law enforcement has encountered several young victims, some being as young as 12-years-old.

According to arrest documents, the 16-year-old victim had condoms and a room key to a nearby motel. The room was reportedly rented under the name of 21-year-old Kemariyon Reynolds.

Authorities said he admitted to renting the hotel room for the victim and knew she was prostituting herself. He was arrested and indicted on three counts of child sex trafficking.

Mitchell said her office has prosecutors who specialize in sex trafficking cases to pursue offenders and help victims.

“That’s really important to us. I mean, really, what we want to do with people who are victims of this is get them off the street and not have them just go back into onto the street with some other trafficker,” she said.

Since the operation began, the county attorney’s office reports 71 arrests. For those found guilty of trafficking, Mitchell said the crime could carry a life sentence.

The operation is ongoing. Neighbors along 27th Avenue said they regularly see prostitution in front of their homes and have noticed an increased police presence targeting the crimes.

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