Marine corporal accused of stealing and selling weapons from California’s Camp Pendleton
Marine Corporal Faces Charges Over Alleged Theft and Sale of Weapons from Camp Pendleton
A U.S. Marine stationed at California’s Camp Pendleton is accused of stealing and selling military equipment, including a shoulder-fired missile system, as well as conspiring to facilitate its resale. Court records reveal that Corporal Andrew Paul Amarillas pleaded not guilty last Thursday in Phoenix to multiple charges, such as conspiracy to commit theft and embezzlement of government property, alongside possession and sale of stolen ammunition.
Detention and Legal Proceedings
A judge has ordered Amarillas to remain in custody until his trial. As of Monday, a message seeking comment from his attorney was sent, but no response had been received. Federal prosecutors allege that Amarillas, while serving as a technical specialist at the School of Infantry West, stole at least one Javelin missile system, thousands of military-grade rounds, and other weapon-related materials between February 2022 and November 2025.
Stolen Goods and Resale Network
The stolen items were reportedly transported to Arizona, where they were sold to unnamed accomplices. These individuals then distributed the equipment to other buyers, according to the prosecution. Some of the weapons and ammunition have been recovered, though not all. A co-conspirator’s cellphone contained a saved number for Amarillas under the alias “Andrew Ammo,” per court documents.
“I have 2 launchers that I think you’d like, if you want to take a look tomorrow,” Amarillas allegedly texted to an accomplice in August, the criminal complaint stated. The message included photos, one of which showed a portable Javelin missile system with a serial number matching one he had previously accessed from the San Diego-based base.
Prosecutors further noted that undercover officers purchased some of the ammunition from co-conspirators. The complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for Arizona stated the goal of the conspiracy was to remove military property and ammunition from the U.S. military for resale, thereby generating income.
Investigation Continues
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) has not yet provided a statement on the case but confirmed the investigation is ongoing. Acting Deputy Assistant Director Jeff Houston remarked in an email Monday, “NCIS and our partners remain committed to thoroughly and aggressively investigating any allegation involving the theft of military weapons and munitions to be sold on the black market.”
In 2021, explosives went missing from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, located in Southern California. NCIS noted at the time that it was examining the disappearance but did not share specific details about the case.
