US EditionMarine corporal accused of stealing and selling weapons from California’s Camp Pendleton
Andrew Paul Amarillas faces federal charges for a four-year scheme stealing a missile and 25,000 rounds of ammunition for resale, with a third of the ammo recovered, prosecutors said.
- On Monday, Corporal Andrew Paul Amarillas, a 23-year-old ammunition technician specialist, was indicted for allegedly stealing a Javelin Missile System and military-grade ammunition from Camp Pendleton and selling them in Arizona.
- Prosecutors allege Amarillas used his position at the School of Infantry West to steal military property between February 2022 and November 2025, then transported the weapons to Arizona to sell to unnamed co-conspirators.
- Court documents reveal investigators traced stolen equipment via serial numbers and digital evidence, including text messages where Amarillas was saved as 'Ammo Andrew' in contacts, claiming he had '2 launchers that think you'd like.'
- Federal agents arrested Amarillas in Virginia on March 5, 2026; he pleaded not guilty Thursday in a Phoenix federal courthouse and remains in custody, with a judge citing flight risk.
- The theft exposes security gaps at Camp Pendleton, echoing a 2021 explosives disappearance at Twentynine Palms and raising concerns about how non-demilitarized weapons reach the black market.
56 Articles
56 Articles
Marine Corporal Charged With Stealing Javelin Missile System and Thousands of Rounds From Camp Pendleton, Selling Them in Arizona
A U.S. Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton is facing federal charges after prosecutors say he spent nearly four years stealing military weapons — including a shoulder-fired Javelin missile system — and funneling them to buyers in Arizona through a network of co-conspirators. Corporal Andrew Paul Amarillas, an ammunition and technical specialist at the School of Infantry West… Source
Marine accused of stealing rocket launchers, war-grade ammunition from Camp Pendleton
The Marine was stationed at Camp Pendleton for nearly four years, until January of this year, and is accused of conspiring to steal and sell weapons and ammunition nearly his entire time at the Oceanside-area base
Marine Accused of Stealing, Selling Missile Launcher
A 23-year-old Marine ammunition specialist is accused of turning his access to military firepower into a side business that allegedly included selling off a shoulder-fired missile launcher. Cpl. Andrew Paul Amarillas, stationed at Camp Pendleton near San Diego, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of stealing government property and...
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
