Marine Accused of Stealing Military Weapons Including Javelin Missile System
A U.S. Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton in California has been charged with stealing ammunition and weapons, notably a shoulder-fired Javelin missile system, and conspiring to sell them in Arizona, as detailed in recent court filings.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Corporal Andrew Paul Amarillas entered a plea of not guilty last Thursday in Phoenix to multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit theft, embezzlement of government property, and possession and sale of stolen ammunition. A judge has ordered him to remain in custody while awaiting trial. Messages seeking comment were sent Monday to his attorney and officials at Camp Pendleton, but responses are pending.
Details of the Alleged Theft
Federal prosecutors allege that Amarillas, serving as a technical specialist at the School of Infantry West, exploited his position to steal at least one Javelin missile system, thousands of rounds of military-grade ammunition, and other weapons-related materials between February 2022 and November 2025. He is accused of transporting the stolen items to his home state of Arizona, where he sold them to unnamed co-conspirators, who then resold the equipment to others. Authorities have recovered some, but not all, of the stolen weapons and ammunition.
Evidence from Court Documents
Court records reveal that a co-conspirator had Amarillas' phone number saved under the nickname "Andrew Ammo." In August, Amarillas reportedly texted a co-conspirator, stating, "(I) have 2 launchers that (I) think you'd like, if you want to take a look tomorrow," accompanied by photos, including one of a portable Javelin missile system. The serial number in the photo matched one that Amarillas had signed out from the military base near San Diego, according to the criminal complaint.
Undercover Operations and Broader Context
Prosecutors noted that undercover officers purchased some of the ammunition from co-conspirators. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for Arizona, states that the conspiracy aimed to steal and sell U.S. military property for financial gain. This case follows a 2021 incident where explosives went missing from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service investigated that disappearance but provided no further details.
