California Man Pleads Guilty to Naval Base Intrusions adn Vehicle Theft
LOS ANGELES – A 37-year-old San Diego man has pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from two unauthorized landings on a U.S. Navy base and the subsequent theft of a government vehicle, officials announced today.
Andrew Kyle White admitted to one felony count of theft of government property and one count of illegally entering a naval installation.
The incidents began in October 2023, when White piloted a Glastar – a home-built kit airplane – to San Clemente Island and landed on a Navy airstrip without authorization. The island, part of Naval Base Coronado, is located approximately 65 miles northwest of San Diego. Following this initial landing, White received a written notice informing him that unauthorized travel to the island is a federal crime and explicitly instructing him not to return.
Despite the warning, White again flew to San Clemente Island on April 6th of this year, once more landing his aircraft without permission. While on the island, he stole a Ford F-150 truck belonging to the Navy and drove it around the premises, reportedly crashing into gates intended to secure restricted areas.
Security footage captured White walking around the island the following morning, and he was eventually apprehended after the truck was found stuck on unpaved terrain.
Prosecutors stated in court documents, “Whatever [White’s] intentions were, the military did not know them,” adding that the intrusions prompted a complete lockdown of the island. The Navy estimates the incidents resulted in nearly 500 man-hours of work and a financial loss of approximately $500,000.
White was initially released on bond but was taken back into federal custody after removing his ankle monitor earlier this year. He is scheduled to be sentenced on september 29th and faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for the theft of government property, and up to six months for illegally entering a naval installation. White’s attorney has not yet responded to requests for comment.
