Caged

City tales: The growing crisis of child prostitution in the United States has hit major cities like Phoenix, where Christians and local officials are joining together to break free young girls | Lynn Vincent

Eyes 2 See Photography

PHOENIX— In a sun-bleached Phoenix suburb, a diverse group gathers in the living room of Chad DeMiguel, a professional videographer. Charles Booker, a lanky college student who longs to break into acting, is sprawled in a red, overstuffed chair. Lexie Rich, 16, sits on the sofa, a selection of skimpy halter tops in her lap. Pat McCalla, 36, a nonprofit manager, stands to DeMiguel's left.

Several men in their 20s and 30s have posted themselves around the dimly lit room, which also features an odd accessory: an empty black cage, 3 feet by 3 feet by 4 feet.

All eyes are trained on DeMiguel, who begins reading solemnly from a police report: "Jade said Sept. 26, 2005, was the last day she had gone to school."