A 23-year-old Marine corporal who worked as an ammunition technical specialist at Camp Pendleton now finds himself in federal custody, facing serious charges after authorities say he used his position to steal high-value military weapons — including a fully operational Javelin missile system — and move them across state lines for profit.
Cpl. Andrew Paul Amarillas, originally from Glendale, Arizona, was assigned to the School of Infantry West at the sprawling Marine Corps base near San Diego. His job gave him direct access to restricted weapons, explosives, and ammunition. According to federal court documents filed in Arizona, that access allegedly turned into opportunity between February 2022 and November 2025.
Prosecutors say Amarillas stole at least one non-demilitarized Javelin missile system — a portable, shoulder-fired anti-tank weapon also capable of taking down low-flying helicopters and fortifications — along with large quantities of military-grade ammunition, including M855A1 enhanced performance rounds and standard M855 cartridges. He allegedly transported the items to Arizona, where he sold them through a small network of co-conspirators who then resold the gear to others, including a firearms dealer and a company CEO.
The Details That Raised Red Flags
Court filings include text messages prosecutors say Amarillas exchanged with his alleged accomplices. In one August exchange, he reportedly wrote something like “Just got some javs and some other ones” and offered to show “2 launchers” the next day. Photos attached to messages allegedly showed a Javelin system with a serial number matching one he had officially signed out from the base on August 13, 2024.
In another instance, he’s accused of offering around 30 cans of ammunition — roughly 25,000 rounds — for $5,000. Over a short period, investigators believe he moved as many as 66 cans of M855 ammo. Some of the stolen material ended up with undercover federal agents who made controlled purchases, while other pieces were seized during raids on homes and businesses in Arizona (including locations in Glendale and Scottsdale).
The Javelin itself — manufactured exclusively for the U.S. military by Lockheed Martin and RTX — is strictly controlled and illegal for civilians to possess in its operational form. Prosecutors emphasized that none of the items were authorized for removal from Camp Pendleton or sale to the public.
Not everything has been recovered. Officials have recovered the Javelin launcher and a portion of the ammunition, but they’ve noted that a significant amount — potentially hundreds of thousands or even millions of rounds in the worst-case scenario — may still be unaccounted for.
Arrest and Court Appearance
Amarillas was arrested by federal agents in Virginia on March 5, 2026. He was transported to Arizona and appeared in federal court in Phoenix, where he pleaded not guilty to charges including theft of government property, conspiracy to commit theft and embezzlement, possession and sale of stolen ammunition, and related offenses.
A judge ordered him held in custody pending trial, citing him as a potential flight risk and a possible threat to witnesses or evidence still at Camp Pendleton.
Amarillas’ attorney has not publicly commented on the case, and officials at Camp Pendleton have remained quiet so far.
Why This Case Matters
The Javelin is a sophisticated piece of military hardware designed for battlefield use against armored threats. Getting one — let alone ammunition specifically packaged and restricted for U.S. military use — into unauthorized hands raises obvious national security and public safety concerns. Even small quantities of this kind of gear in the wrong hands could pose real risks to law enforcement or civilians.
This isn’t the first time questions have surfaced about accountability at military armories, but the combination of a high-tech missile system and bulk restricted ammo being allegedly funneled through a service member’s personal network has drawn particular attention.
The investigation involved multiple undercover buys, social media monitoring, and coordination between federal agencies. It serves as a reminder of how trusted insiders with the right access can sometimes exploit the system.
Amarillas remains in custody as the case moves forward. Prosecutors will now work to prove the conspiracy and sales, while his defense prepares its response.
