Marine ARRESTED – Selling Missiles To Criminals!

A U.S. Marine corporal exploited his position as an ammunition specialist to orchestrate a weapons trafficking operation so brazen that federal prosecutors discovered he had stolen a fully operational Javelin missile system and sold it along with tens of thousands of rounds of military-grade ammunition to a network of criminal buyers across state lines.

Story Snapshot

Corporal Andrew Paul Amarillas allegedly stole at least one Javelin antitank missile system and approximately 25,000 rounds of ammunition from Camp Pendleton over nearly four years
The fully operational Javelin, manufactured exclusively for the U.S. military by Lockheed Martin and RTX Corp., was never demilitarized and cannot be legally owned by civilians
Amarillas pleaded not guilty in federal court and is being held in custody as a flight risk with potential to interfere with witnesses
Only one-third of the stolen ammunition has been recovered, and authorities are still determining the full scope of the theft
The conspiracy involved co-conspirators in Arizona who resold the weapons, with some purchases made by undercover officers during the investigation

The Security Breach That Exposed Military Vulnerabilities

Between February 2022 and November 2025, Corporal Andrew Paul Amarillas worked as an ammunition technical specialist at the School of Infantry West at Camp Pendleton, one of the largest Marine Corps installations in the nation. Federal prosecutors allege that during those years, Amarillas systematically exploited his authorized access to steal military weapons and ammunition, then transported them to Arizona where he sold them through a network of co-conspirators. The theft went undetected for approximately three and a half years, raising serious questions about inventory controls and monitoring procedures at military installations nationwide.

What Makes a Javelin Missile System So Dangerous

The Javelin missile system represents one of the most sophisticated portable antitank weapons in the U.S. military arsenal. Designed to destroy tanks, low-flying helicopters, and fortified positions, these systems are manufactured exclusively by Lockheed Martin and RTX Corp. for military use. Federal law strictly prohibits civilian possession of these weapons unless they have been demilitarized, rendering them inoperable. The Javelin recovered in this case was fully operational, making it a direct threat to public safety and national security. Prosecutors described the stolen weapons as strictly controlled and dangerous, posing significant risks to both civilians and law enforcement personnel.

The Scale and Sophistication of the Operation

Court documents reveal the conspiracy’s primary objective was straightforward: steal military property and ammunition, then sell it to earn money. The scale of the operation was staggering. In one transaction alone, Amarillas allegedly offered approximately 25,000 rounds of ammunition. Federal investigators documented the theft of at least 66 cans of M855 rifle ammunition, military-grade rounds commonly used in AR-15 style rifles. The conspiracy extended beyond California into Arizona, where co-conspirators acted as intermediaries, purchasing stolen weapons and reselling them to others. Undercover officers managed to purchase some of the ammunition during the investigation, while other materials were seized through law enforcement operations.

The Investigation and Arrest

Federal prosecutors filed a complaint in U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona in March 2026, detailing the multi-year conspiracy. On March 27, 2026, Amarillas appeared in a Phoenix federal courthouse where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. The federal judge presiding over the case ordered Amarillas held in custody pending trial, determining he posed both a flight risk and a potential threat to the integrity of the investigation. Prosecutors argued he could interfere with evidence and witnesses still located at Camp Pendleton, where the investigation continues. Authorities have recovered the Javelin missile system and approximately one-third of the stolen ammunition, roughly 8,250 rounds, but significant quantities remain unaccounted for.

National Security Implications and Insider Threats

This case exemplifies the vulnerability of military installations to insider threats. Amarillas held a position of trust with specialized technical knowledge and authorized access to restricted materials. His role as an ammunition technical specialist provided both the opportunity and the expertise to identify high-value targets for theft. The three-year duration of the conspiracy suggests inadequate monitoring and audit procedures that allowed the theft to continue undetected. The involvement of a multi-state distribution network indicates this was not opportunistic theft but rather organized criminal activity with financial motivations. The fact that advanced weapons systems designed for battlefield use ended up in civilian hands through a black market network raises fundamental questions about supply chain security within the defense industrial base.

What Happens Next

Amarillas faces federal charges that carry significant prison time if convicted. The case will likely prompt congressional scrutiny of military base security protocols and may accelerate policy changes already under consideration. Military installations across the country can expect enhanced inventory controls, stricter access protocols, and more rigorous personnel monitoring procedures. The investigation remains active as authorities work to determine the full extent of what was stolen and to identify all participants in the conspiracy. The case serves as a stark reminder that the greatest security threats sometimes come from within, and that positions of trust require constant verification and oversight. For the Marines and civilian communities potentially affected by these stolen weapons, the recovery of all stolen materials remains a critical priority.