A U.S. Marine is in custody and facing federal charges for allegedly stealing a Javelin missile system and ammunition from Camp Pendleton in California and selling them in Arizona. The investigation involved undercover officers, text message evidence, and the recovery of stolen military equipment.
A U.S. Marine, Corporal Andrew Paul Amarillas, 23, from Glendale, Arizona , faces serious charges following accusations of stealing military-grade weapons and ammunition from Camp Pendleton , California, and subsequently selling them in Arizona . Indicted by a federal grand jury, Amarillas, who served as an ammunition technician specialist at the School of Infantry-West, is now in federal custody .
The indictment details the alleged theft of a Javelin missile system, a cutting-edge, shoulder-fired anti-armor weapon lauded for its ability to autonomously guide to its target after launch, allowing the gunner to immediately reposition or reload, and numerous cans of ammunition. The stolen items were allegedly transported to Arizona and sold to two un-indicted co-conspirators. Amarillas entered a not guilty plea during a court appearance in Phoenix, where the judge ordered him to remain in custody. This case underscores the severity of the charges and the potential impact of stolen military assets.\The investigation, conducted by law enforcement agencies, revealed a trail of illicit transactions and text messages exchanged between Amarillas and one of the alleged co-conspirators. The text messages, detailed in court documents, included communications regarding the availability of Javelin missiles and other military supplies. Undercover officers subsequently purchased ammunition from two companies, leading them to identify the suspect through lot numbers associated with the ammunition. Law enforcement successfully recovered the Javelin Missile System and a portion of the stolen ammunition during raids at an Arizona residence on October 10, 2025, and additional ammunition on October 17 and November 20, 2025. Amarillas was apprehended in Virginia before being transported to Arizona to face the charges. The scale of the alleged theft is substantial, with estimates suggesting “millions of pounds of ammo” may have been involved, highlighting the potential for significant security breaches and the challenges faced by authorities in recovering all stolen materials.\The Javelin Weapon System, described as the world’s leading shoulder-fired anti-armor system, is designed for tactical battlefield use, offering soldiers and Marines a significant advantage in combat situations. The alleged theft and subsequent sale of such advanced weaponry raise critical questions about security protocols, accountability, and the potential risk posed by the diversion of military assets. The ongoing investigation aims to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the illegal activities, ensuring that all stolen military property is recovered. The case is a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding sensitive military equipment and maintaining the integrity of military supply chains. The authorities are continuing their efforts to determine the full scope of the theft, assess any potential damage, and pursue all legal avenues to bring those responsible to justice. The legal proceedings are expected to unveil additional details about the illicit operation and its consequences, contributing to a broader understanding of the challenges associated with safeguarding national security assets
Military Theft Weapons Arizona Camp Pendleton Javelin Missile Ammunition Federal Custody Indictment
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