Marine Corporal Charged With Stealing Missile Launcher and Ammunition

Accused of reselling weapons stolen from Camp Pendleton base

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:34pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a military weapon component, such as a missile launcher part, dramatically lit by a harsh flash against a dark background, conveying a sense of investigation and urgency.The theft of military-grade weapons from a U.S. base raises urgent security concerns.San Diego Today

A 23-year-old Marine corporal has been arrested and charged with stealing weapons, including a Javelin missile system and ammunition, from his base at Camp Pendleton near San Diego. Cpl. Andrew Paul Amarillas is accused of stealing and selling the weapons to other buyers from 2022 to 2025.

Why it matters

The theft of military-grade weapons and ammunition, especially portable missile launchers, raises serious concerns about the security of U.S. military bases and the potential for these dangerous items to fall into the wrong hands. This case highlights the need for tighter controls and oversight over the handling and storage of sensitive military equipment.

The details

According to court documents, Cpl. Amarillas was an ammunition technical specialist assigned to handle and transport weapons and ammunition at Camp Pendleton. Over a three-year period, he allegedly stole and sold a Javelin missile system, a portable missile launcher, and other weapons and ammunition to various buyers. Undercover agents eventually purchased some of the stolen equipment from a firearms dealer, and law enforcement seized additional weaponry, though not all of the stolen items have been accounted for.

  • From 2022 to 2025, Cpl. Amarillas allegedly stole and sold the weapons and ammunition.
  • Cpl. Amarillas pleaded not guilty to the charges on Thursday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Cpl. Andrew Paul Amarillas

A 23-year-old Marine corporal who was an ammunition technical specialist at Camp Pendleton and is accused of stealing and selling military weapons and ammunition.

Camp Pendleton

A U.S. Marine Corps base located near San Diego, California, where Cpl. Amarillas was stationed and from which he allegedly stole the weapons.

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What they’re saying

“Have two launchers that think you'd like if you want to take a look tomorrow.”

— Cpl. Andrew Paul Amarillas

“Offer to sell 30,000 rounds of ammunition for $5,000.”

— Cpl. Andrew Paul Amarillas

What’s next

Cpl. Amarillas remains in custody, and a lawyer listed for him in court documents did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The investigation is ongoing to determine the full scope of the stolen weapons and ammunition, and to locate any remaining missing items.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical importance of strict security measures and oversight at U.S. military bases to prevent the theft and diversion of sensitive and dangerous weapons and equipment. It also underscores the need for robust tracking and accountability systems to ensure all military assets are properly accounted for and secured.