Federal prosecutors say an Arlington man helped move drugs and sell illegal firearms across Massachusetts, and now he has admitted his role in court.
Jonathan Perry, 26, of Arlington, pleaded guilty in federal court last Friday to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, acknowledging his part in what prosecutors describe as a wider drug and gun trafficking network. Perry is scheduled to be sentenced on June 2, 2026, in U.S. District Court. His plea stems from a May 29, 2025 investigation that authorities say turned up firearm parts, 3D-printing equipment and roughly 100 grams of suspected cocaine.
Prosecutors say Perry teamed up with alleged gang member
According to WWLP, Perry admitted to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and prosecutors say he conspired with co-defendant Keith Harlow, who is described in charging documents as a gang member. Perry entered his plea in federal court in Boston and, per the same report, is set to learn his sentence on June 2, 2026.
Evidence seized in the probe
The investigation spun out of a search of a residence tied to Harlow, where federal agents uncovered what they say was a small manufacturing setup for illegal weapons. As detailed by the U.S. Attorney's Office, investigators seized multiple firearm receivers, suspected suppressors, machine-gun conversion devices, 3D printers and other manufacturing tools, along with about 100 grams of suspected cocaine.
Authorities also combed through Perry's cellphone, which was seized when he was arrested on state charges on May 29, 2025. A review of the device allegedly turned up text messages in which Harlow and Perry coordinated drug distribution, discussed selling weapons and traded messages about robberies and shooting at individuals.
Penalties and past records
The conspiracy charge Perry pleaded to carries a maximum of 20 years in prison, a lengthy term of supervised release and potential fines of up to $1 million, according to reporting from WWLP. Court filings indicate both Perry and Harlow were legally barred from having guns because of earlier felony convictions.
Perry has a prior youthful-offender manslaughter conviction and was on probation for a domestic-violence offense at the time of the probe. Harlow has prior armed-robbery convictions and was on parole during parts of the investigation.
What comes next
The case is being handled by the Organized Crime & Gang Unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard identified in court documents as the prosecutor, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Perry remains in federal custody as he awaits his June 2, 2026 sentencing hearing.
