Share and Follow

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A California man who illegally landed his small aircraft on a naval base twice and stole a Navy truck has pled guilty to federal charges, officials said.

Andrew Kyle White, 37, pleaded guilty to a felony count of theft of government property and illegal entry into a naval installation.

The San Diego man first flew a Glastar airplane — a home-built kit airplane popular among hobbyists — to San Clemente Island in October 2023 and landed on a U.S. Navy airstrip without permission.

The wind-swept island, part of Naval Base Coronado, is off the Pacific coast about 65 miles (100 miles) northwest of San Diego and is the southernmost of California’s Channel Islands.

At the time, he received and signed a letter that notified him that it was a federal crime to travel to San Clemente Island without the Navy’s permission and instructed him not to return.

But on April 6 of this year, military authorities say, White flew his plane to San Clemente Island again and landed it without permission. While on the island, he stole a Navy-owned Ford F-150 truck and drove it around the island, crashing it into locked gates that blocked off certain locations.

He was not detained until the next morning when he was seen on security footage walking around, according to charging documents. Officials discovered he had driven the truck onto unpaved terrain and gotten stuck.

White’s attorney did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

Officials estimate that White’s intrusion onto the base cost nearly 500 man-hours and resulted in a $500,000 loss to the Navy.

“Whatever (White’s) intentions were, the military did not know them,” prosecutors said in court documents. “The island went on a complete lockdown.”

White was initially released on bond but has been in federal custody since he cut off his ankle bracelet earlier this year.

He will be sentenced Sept. 29 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for theft of government property and up to six months for illegally entering a naval installation.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Ghost town mall in Democrat city goes up for sale

Deserted Shopping Complex in Democratic-Led City Listed for Sale

Once a bustling hub for shopaholics in Pennsylvania’s largest Democratic city, a…
Officer pulls missing boy from freezing pond and reunites him with dad

Officer Rescues Missing Boy from Icy Pond, Reunites Him with Father

In a remarkable rescue that unfolded on Christmas night, a police officer…
Chicago crime: Police department warns of fake rideshare driver accused of sexual assault incidents in Old Town, Gold Coast

Giovanni Rosales Espinoza Apprehended and Charged with Aggravated Kidnapping in Porter, Texas, Reports MCSO

In a disturbing incident on Christmas Day, a Texas man has been…
Shooting at an Oklahoma State University residence hall wounds at least 3 people

Tragic Helicopter Collision in New Jersey Results in One Fatality, Another Critically Injured

In a tragic incident on Sunday, two helicopters collided midair in New…
MAGA erupts over Zohran Mamdani's choice for FDNY chief

Controversy Sparks as Zohran Mamdani’s FDNY Chief Pick Faces Backlash from MAGA Supporters

Incoming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has ignited a wave of…
Dear Abby: I'm walking on eggshells around my alcoholic husband—I've had enough

Finding Strength: Navigating Life with an Alcoholic Spouse – A Woman’s Plea for Change

DEAR ABBY: After 15 years of marriage, my retired husband, “Seth,” is…
Brigitte Bardot, 1960s sultry sex symbol turned militant animal rights activist dies at 91, starred in 'And God Created Woman'

Renowned 1960s Icon and Animal Rights Advocate Brigitte Bardot, Star of ‘And God Created Woman,’ Passes Away at 91

PARIS — Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French actress of the 1960s who…
'Diff'rent Strokes' actress Melanie Watson has died

Actress Melanie Watson of ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ Fame Passes Away

Melanie Watson, celebrated for her memorable role in the 1980s sitcom “Diff’rent…