Marine corporal accused of stealing and selling weapons from California’s Camp Pendleton

Marine Corporal Faces Charges Over Alleged Theft and Sale of Military Equipment

Phoenix, Arizona – A U.S. Marine, identified as Corporal Andrew Paul Amarillas, has been accused of illicitly taking and reselling military-grade ammunition and weapons, including a shoulder-fired missile system, from California’s Camp Pendleton. According to court records, Amarillas entered a not guilty plea to several counts, such as conspiracy to commit theft and embezzlement of government property, along with possession and sale of stolen military supplies. A judge has mandated his detention until the trial proceeds.

A message requesting Amarillas’ attorney’s input was sent on Monday. Prosecutors claim that between February 2022 and November 2025, Amarillas, serving as a technical specialist at the School of Infantry West, stole at least one Javelin missile system, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and other related materials. The stolen items were allegedly transported to Arizona, where they were sold to unnamed co-conspirators, who subsequently distributed them to third parties.

Text Evidence and Undercover Purchases

Prosecutors detailed that some of the stolen weapons and ammunition have been recovered. A co-conspirator’s cellphone contained a saved number under the nickname “Andrew Ammo.” In August, Amarillas reportedly texted a co-conspirator:

“[I] have 2 launchers that [I] think you’d like, if you want to take a look tomorrow.”

The messages also included photographs, such as one displaying a portable Javelin missile system with a serial number matching one Amarillas had accessed from the San Diego-area base.

During the investigation, undercover officers acquired portions of the ammunition from co-conspirators. The criminal complaint stated,

“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 Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) has not provided additional comments on the case, though it confirmed the probe is ongoing. Acting Deputy Assistant Director Jeff Houston remarked 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 went missing from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, a Southern California desert site. At that time, NCIS noted the disappearance but withheld specific details about the incident.