Marine corporal accused of stealing and selling weapons from California’s Camp Pendleton
Marine Corporal Faces Theft and Sale of Military Equipment Charges
Phoenix officials have charged a U.S. Marine with taking and reselling weapons and ammunition from California’s Camp Pendleton. The accused, Corporal Andrew Paul Amarillas, recently entered a not guilty plea to several counts, including conspiracy to steal government property and embezzlement, as well as possession and sale of stolen military supplies. A judge has directed him to remain in custody until his trial begins.
According to federal prosecutors, Amarillas, who served as a technical specialist at the School of Infantry West, allegedly stole at least one Javelin missile system, thousands of rounds of military-grade ammunition, and other weapons-related materials between February 2022 and November 2025. The stolen items were reportedly transported to Arizona, where he sold them to unnamed individuals involved in the scheme.
Court records indicate that some of the stolen weapons and ammunition have been recovered. A co-conspirator’s cellphone contained a saved number linked to Amarillas under the alias “Andrew Ammo.” In August, Amarillas sent a message to this individual stating,
“I have 2 launchers that I think you’d like, if you want to take a look tomorrow.”
The text also included images, one of which featured a portable Javelin missile with a serial number matching one he had authorized for removal from the San Diego-based base.
Prosecutors noted that certain ammunition was acquired by undercover agents from the same network. The criminal complaint filed in Arizona’s U.S. District Court outlined the goal of the scheme: to steal military assets and resell them for profit. “The objects of the conspiracy were to steal property and ammunition from the U.S. military and sell stolen U.S. military property and ammunition to others to earn money,” the document stated.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) has not provided comments on Amarillas’ case, but confirmed the probe is still active. Acting Deputy Assistant Director Jeff Houston noted in an email,
“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.”
Earlier in 2021, explosives were reported missing from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, a desert location in Southern California. At that time, NCIS initiated an investigation into the disappearance but withheld specific details from the public.
