LOS ANGELES
Andrew Kyle White, 37, of San Diego, pleaded guilty to federal charges after twice illegally landing a small plane on San Clemente Island, then stealing a Navy truck and damaging gates during his unauthorized stay, federal officials announced Monday.
White admitted to one felony count of theft of government property over $1,000 and one misdemeanor count of illegally entering a naval installation. He has been in custody since cutting off his ankle monitor earlier this year, according to federal prosecutors.
Prosecutors said White first landed his Glastar airplane on the Navy airstrip in October 2023 and was formally warned not to return. He ignored that order in April 2025, landing again, stealing a Ford F-150 worth $16,000, and ramming gates that caused $8,000 in damage. The intrusion triggered a lockdown that consumed nearly 500 man-hours and cost taxpayers an estimated $500,000.
White faces up to 10 years in prison at sentencing on September 29 before U.S. District Judge Otis D. Wright II.