Marine Corporal Accused of Stealing and Selling Weapons From California's Camp Pendleton

Cpl. Andrew Paul Amarillas charged with conspiracy, theft, and embezzlement of military equipment and ammunition.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 6:20pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a military-grade ammunition cartridge against a pitch-black background, capturing the stark, gritty details of the object in a dramatic, investigative style.The theft and illegal sale of military weapons and equipment pose a serious threat to public safety and national security.Los Angeles Today

A U.S. Marine corporal who was an ammunition specialist at California's Camp Pendleton has been charged with stealing weapons, including a shoulder-fired missile system, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and other military equipment, and conspiring to sell them in Arizona. Cpl. Andrew Paul Amarillas pleaded not guilty to multiple charges including conspiracy, theft, and embezzlement of government property.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the security and accountability of military equipment and weapons, especially at large bases like Camp Pendleton. The theft and sale of sensitive military technology and ordnance poses serious risks to public safety and national security.

The details

Federal prosecutors allege that Amarillas used his position as a technical specialist at the School of Infantry West to steal at least one Javelin missile system, thousands of rounds of military-grade ammunition, and other weapons-related material between February 2022 and November 2025. He is accused of transporting the stolen items to Arizona, where he sold them to unnamed co-conspirators, who then resold the equipment to others. Some but not all of the stolen weapons and ammunition have been recovered.

  • Amarillas allegedly stole the items between February 2022 and November 2025.
  • Amarillas pleaded not guilty to the charges last Thursday in Phoenix.

The players

Cpl. Andrew Paul Amarillas

A U.S. Marine corporal who was an ammunition specialist at Camp Pendleton and is accused of stealing and selling military weapons and equipment.

U.S. District Court for Arizona

The federal court where Amarillas was charged and ordered to be held in custody pending trial.

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What’s next

Amarillas is being held in custody pending his trial on the charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of securing military equipment and weapons, even at major bases like Camp Pendleton. It raises concerns about insider threats, the black market for stolen military goods, and the potential risks to public safety and national security posed by the theft and sale of sensitive technology and ordnance.