A man identified as a member of the Vice Lord gang was arrested in Smyrna, Georgia, after being sought for two months on federal gun and drug charges. Keith Harlow, also known as “Lord Savage,” 39, from Athol, Massachusetts, faces several charges including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, and unlicensed manufacturing and dealing in firearms.
Authorities report that at the time of the alleged offenses in 2025, Harlow was on parole following multiple six- to ten-year concurrent state prison sentences for armed robberies. According to charging documents, Harlow is associated with the Four Corner Hustlers chapter of the Vice Lords and has a history of prior convictions.
Harlow will first appear in Georgia State Court on fugitive charges related to an outstanding Parole Warrant before facing extradition proceedings in federal court in the Northern District of Georgia. He is expected to be returned to Massachusetts to face federal charges.
Three co-defendants—Jonathan Perry (“Peazy”), 25; Andrew Poor, 29; and Dante Machuca, 25—all from Massachusetts towns Athol or Arlington—were previously arrested on related state charges in May 2025 and charged federally the following month. The indictment alleges that Perry conspired to distribute controlled substances while Poor and Machuca are accused of conspiring to interfere with commerce by robbery.
The investigation revealed that during his parole period in 2025, Harlow allegedly sent numerous text messages about manufacturing firearms and selector switches (devices used for converting firearms into machineguns), as well as selling multiple firearms. He was reportedly captured on video possessing firearms—including a suppressor and a machinegun conversion device.
Investigators allege that one firearm seized during the case was purchased by Poor for Harlow. Further inquiries linked Poor—and Machuca—to a January 2025 home invasion targeting an alleged drug dealer’s residence in Athol. Charging documents state that Harlow fired his weapon during this incident before pressing its hot barrel against the victim’s abdomen.
A search conducted at Harlow’s residence on May 29, 2025 recovered multiple firearm receivers, suspected suppressors, machinegun conversion devices, several 3D printers believed used for firearm manufacturing supplies—and approximately 100 grams of suspected cocaine.
Analysis of Perry’s cellphone revealed communications between him and Harlow discussing drug distribution activities across Massachusetts as well as plans involving robberies and use of firearms against others. Both men were legally prohibited from possessing guns due to prior felony convictions; Perry had previously been convicted as a youthful offender for manslaughter.
Potential penalties include up to fifteen years’ imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm; up to twenty years’ imprisonment for conspiring to distribute controlled substances or interfering with commerce by robbery; up to five years’ imprisonment for unlicensed manufacturing or dealing in firearms; fines ranging from $250,000 up to $1 million depending on charge; plus periods of supervised release upon conviction. Sentences are determined by federal judges based on statutory guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley stated: “United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Kevin Neal, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; David E. Sullivan, Northwestern District Attorney; and Athol Police Chief Craig Lundgren made the announcement today.” She added: “Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia; the Massachusetts State Police; the Franklin County House of Correction; and the Massachusetts Department of Correction.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard is prosecuting this case within the Organized Crime & Gang Unit.
The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
