Thirty men and women arrested for alleged prostitution and drug activity

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Thirty suspects were placed behind bars Friday after an undercover investigation connected them with an influx of prostitution and drug sales in the Lealman area of St. Petersburg, and more lock ups are expected.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, an investigation began in April after complaints about prostitutes and narcotics sales along the 34th street corridor poured in from Lealman residents.

Deputies set up a sting operation nearby at Lealman Intermediate School, located at 4900 29th Street North.

Undercover detectives sold narcotics in the area and their investigation identified 58 suspects.

Around 6 p.m. Friday, deputies conducted a round up, taking many of the suspects into custody.

Others were arrested prior to the round up.

The suspects are men and women, ranging from 18 to 57. Their charges include sale and possession of crack cocaine and trafficking oxycodone.

Authorities are still searching for the remaining suspects as the investigation continues.

Stay with ABC Action News for the latest on this developing story.