By: Laura Soukkavong
Boston – An Athol man identified by federal authorities as a Vice Lords gang member has pleaded guilty in Boston to charges involving drug distribution, firearms trafficking and a robbery conspiracy.
Keith Harlow, 40, also known as “Lord Savage,” admitted to conspiring to distribute controlled substances, possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, conspiring to interfere with commerce through robbery, and manufacturing and dealing in firearms without a license.
U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled his sentencing for Jan. 12, 2027. Harlow was charge in May 2025 and remained a fugitive until authorities arrested him that Aug.
Prosecutors identified Harlow as a member of the Four Corner Hustlers chapter of the Vice Lords. During the offenses, he was on parole after serving time for multiple armed robbery convictions carrying concurrent state prison sentences of six to 10 years.
According to federal authorities, investigators obtained messages, photographs and videos from 2025 showing Harlwon possessing firearms, a suppressor and a device used to convert a firearm to automatic fire. His messages also discussed making firearms and conversion devices, as well as selling guns.
Investigators said one recovered firearm had been purchased by Andrew Poor and subsequently provided to Harlow. The investigation also linked Harlow, Poor and Dante Machuca to a Jan. 2025 home invasion in Athil.
Charging documents allege the three entered the home of a suspected drug dealer with firearms, intending to steal drugs and money. During a confrontation, Harlow allegedly discharged his gun before pressing its heated barrel against the victim’s abdomen.
A May 29, 2025, search of Harlow’s residence uncovered firearm receivers, suspected suppressors, machine gun conversion devices, 3D printers and other materials used to manufacture firearms, authorities said. Investigators aslo recivered approximately 100 grams of suspected cocaine.
Prosecutors said messages recovered from a cellphone belonging to an associate identified as Perry showed that the two worked together to distribute drugs and sell firearms across Massachusetts. The messages also included discussions of robberies and shooting at individuals.
Both men were barred from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions, according to authorities. Perry was sentenced in Sept. to 97 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Harlow faces statutory maximum prison terms to 20 years each for the drug and robbery conspiracy charges, 15 years for he firearm possession charge, and five years for unlicensed firearm manufacturing and dealing. His sentence will be determined by the court under applicable federal law and sentencing guidelines.
The investigation involved the FBI, Athol Police and other state and federal agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard is prosecuting the case.