News Summary
Andrew Kyle White from San Diego was sentenced to six months in federal prison for illegally landing a small aircraft on San Clemente Island and stealing a Navy truck. White’s actions prompted significant military response and disruption, resulting in substantial costs. He faced multiple charges including theft and illegal entry and has been ordered to pay restitution for damages incurred. This case highlights the serious legal consequences of trespassing on military property.
San Diego – Andrew Kyle White, a 37-year-old man from San Diego, was sentenced to six months in federal prison on Monday for illegally landing a small airplane on a U.S. Navy airstrip on San Clemente Island and for stealing a Navy-owned vehicle. In addition to his prison sentence, White has been ordered to pay over $8,000 in restitution for damages incurred during his actions.
White pleaded guilty to one felony count of theft of government property exceeding $1,000 and one misdemeanor count of illegal entry into a naval installation. His sentencing occurred following a plea made on September 15 in federal court in Los Angeles. White had been in federal custody after he cut off his ankle monitoring bracelet earlier this year.
San Clemente Island, a part of Naval Base Coronado and owned by the Navy, is situated off the coast of California. White was aware that accessing the island without prior government approval was against the law. Despite being warned, he first landed his amateur-built airplane, a Glastar, on the Navy airstrip without permission on October 29, 2023. After this initial landing, he signed a letter acknowledging the illegality of his actions and was instructed not to return to the island.
However, disregarding this directive, White landed on the island a second time on April 6, 2025. During this second intrusion, he stole a white Ford F-150 truck owned by the Navy, valued at nearly $16,000. Using the stolen vehicle, White drove across various locations on the island, including areas blocked by locked gates, which he rammed, resulting in damages exceeding $8,000. Additionally, Navy officials estimated that the entire incident cost taxpayers about $500,000 due to the extensive military response and disruption caused by White’s actions.
The military response involved a complete lockdown of the island, as authorities treated the incident seriously due to the uncertainty regarding the intentions of the intruder. The investigation into White’s activities was managed by a collaborative effort involving the Navy Criminal Investigative Service, FBI, U.S. Navy Security Forces, and the San Diego Police Department. Prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorneys.
White’s actions not only violated federal laws but also prompted substantial mobilization of military resources and personnel, highlighting the severity of security breaches on military property. With his current sentencing, he faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for the theft of government property along with up to six months for the illegal entry. A final sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 29, during which further details of his punishment may be discussed.
In summary, Andrew Kyle White’s case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences of trespassing on government property and the seriousness of theft from military installations, which impacts national security and taxpayer dollars.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego
- Wikipedia: San Clemente Island
- CBS News
- Google Search: San Clemente Island
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Clemente Island
- Gold Rush Cam
- Google News: Andrew Kyle White
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
