Harpys Gang

Varrio Harpys Gang

Name: Varrio Harpys Gang
Also Known As: Harpys 13; HPS; Varrio Harpys
Founded: 1960s
Place of Origin: West Adams, South Los Angeles,
California, U.S.
Ethnicity: Predominantly Hispanic / Latino
Affiliation: Sureño 13–aligned
Cliques / Subsets:
Harpys “Dead End”; Harpys “Wild Bunch”;
25th Street Tiny Locos (TLS); 27th Street Chicos Malos (CM);
28th Street Dukes (DKS); 39th Street Tokers;
5th Avenue Midgets (MGS)
Estimated Membership: 200 members
Allies: Mexican Mafia (La Eme); A2M (Addicted To Money)
Rivals: 18th Street Gang; EasyRiders 13;
Alley Tiny Criminals 13; S4M (Sex For Money)
Status: Active

---

The Varrio Harpys Gang (also known as Harpys 13, HPS, or Varrio Harpys) is a long-standing Hispanic street gang based in the West Adams district of South Los Angeles, California. According to law-enforcement records, the gang originated in the 1960s and has been documented as having more than 200 active members at various points in its history.

The heart of Harpys territory extends between Figueroa Street and Normandie Avenue, bounded by Washington Boulevard and Jefferson Boulevard.

---

Name and Structure

The name Harpys is derived from the American harpy eagle, one of the largest and most powerful raptors in the Americas. The gang historically consisted of two primary subsets, known as Harpys’ “Dead End” and Harpys’ “Wild Bunch.” These groups reportedly began as local football teams before later merging into the broader Harpys organization.

---

Territory and Culture

The Harpys Gang shares its neighborhood with the Rollin’ 20s Neighborhood Bloods, a predominantly African-American street gang whose primary rivalry is with the Rollin’ 30s Harlem Crips. Members of the Harpys Gang are commonly associated with Houston Astros apparel, particularly items displaying a large letter “H,” which has been used as a symbol of affiliation.

A local rapper known as Conejo, affiliated with the West Side Harpys (25th Street), gained attention after reportedly remaining a fugitive for more than a decade in connection with a murder case.

---

Criminal Activity and Law-Enforcement Actions

Operation Roman Empire

On December 6, 2012, federal and local law-enforcement agencies conducted a coordinated operation known as Operation Roman Empire, resulting in the arrest of 29 alleged members of the West Side Harpys following a federal racketeering indictment.

The indictment also named Vianna Roman, daughter of Danny Roman, a documented member of the Mexican Mafia and an alleged leader within the Harpys organization. Danny Roman had previously been convicted of murder in 1982 and was serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole at Pelican Bay State Prison.

Prosecutors alleged that despite his incarceration, Danny Roman continued to exert influence over Harpys operations through intermediaries, including Vianna Roman and her husband, who were accused of managing day-to-day activities such as the extortion of local businesses.

---

Convictions and Sentencing

On May 1, 2013, Vianna Roman pleaded guilty to racketeering, narcotics, and weapons charges as part of a plea agreement and faced up to 20 years in federal prison. She admitted to acting as a conduit for her father’s instructions while he exercised control over the gang.

On May 7, 2013, Manuel Valencia, identified as a high-ranking member of the West Side Harpys, pleaded guilty to federal racketeering and drug-trafficking charges, as well as engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. Valencia agreed to a sentence of 27 years to life in prison.

The same indictment also named Jaime Montano and Edgar Gonzalez, both associated with East Side Trece (ES13). Both defendants pleaded guilty to racketeering charges and faced sentences of 20 years or more in federal prison.

---

Alliances and Rivalries

The Harpys Gang has been identified as allied with the Mexican Mafia (La Eme) and A2M (Addicted To Money). The gang has maintained long-standing rivalries with the 18th Street Gang and EasyRiders 13.

On September 6, 1980, three members of the 18th Street Gang were killed by Harpys members. In a subsequent retaliatory incident, Felipe Alvarado, known as “Clumsy,” was shot and killed at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Normandie Avenue; the suspected shooter was affiliated with the 18th Street Gang.

The Harpys Gang has also feuded with the tagging crew S4M (Sex For Money) or S4MK, largely due to that group’s alliance with the 18th Street Gang. On May 7, 2006, Manuel Vega, a member of S4M, was shot and killed outside a liquor store on Orchard Street, between 18th Street and Washington Boulevard. Daniel Martinez, a member of A2M, was charged with Vega’s murder. Authorities stated the killing was retaliation for the earlier death of Brian “Panda” Verdesoto, who was affiliated with Harpys 13 (28th Street Dukes).

Despite documented ties to the Mexican Mafia, the Harpys Gang has primarily engaged in conflicts with Southern Latino gangs aligned under the Sureño 13 umbrella, including Alley Tiny Criminals 13.