Secret bunker and arsenal found at Anderson property: 13 guns, 10,000 rounds seized in probe that led to Michael Jay Kamfolt arrest
California Highway Patrol investigators uncovered an underground bunker on Michael Jay Kamfolt’s Anderson property during a January 20, 2026, search, seizing an illegal marijuana grow, 13 firearms, about 10,000 rounds of ammunition and body armor.
Key takeaways
- Bunker discovery: Investigators found a concealed underground bunker accessed via a 100-foot culvert, equipped for long-term occupancy and indoor marijuana cultivation.
- Weapons cache: Authorities seized 13 firearms — including AR-15-style rifles and stolen guns — roughly 10,000 rounds (some armor-piercing), 30 high-capacity magazines and body armor.
- Charges and status: Kamfolt was booked Jan. 20, posted $50,000 bail and released Jan. 21; prosecutors have not yet filed a formal case while the CHP investigation continues.
How the case unfolded
The probe began in December 2025 after the California Highway Patrol received a tip about a suspected illicit marijuana cultivation site on private property in Anderson, Shasta County. CHP investigators conducted aerial surveillance and gathered evidence over several weeks before obtaining and executing a search warrant on Jan. 20, 2026.
For official details, see the CHP news release and reporting by the Los Angeles Times.
The bunker and the weapons cache
Officers described the underground space as well hidden and built for long-term use. The bunker was reachable through a roughly 100-foot culvert leading below ground to a concrete-floored room with electricity, ventilation and drainage. Investigators found evidence consistent with indoor marijuana cultivation both inside and around the bunker.
CHP reported the seizure of:
- 13 firearms, including three AR-15-style rifles (one with an obliterated serial number), a sawed-off shotgun and at least two firearms reported stolen in 2016 and 1978.
- About 10,000 rounds of ammunition — including armor-piercing rounds — plus 30 high-capacity magazines and four soft body armor vests.
“Far beyond an illegal grow,” CHP Northern Division Chief John Pinoli said, warning that the hidden bunker and weapons posed a serious threat to public safety.
Local coverage and agency statements: KRCRTV, Los Angeles Times, and the CHP release.
Charges, booking and status
Michael Jay Kamfolt, 40, of Anderson, was arrested on Jan. 20 and booked into the Shasta County Jail. Court records and local reporting indicate he was held overnight, posted $50,000 bail and released the following day. Prosecutors had not filed a formal case with the Shasta County District Attorney’s office at the time of reporting; the CHP said the investigation remains ongoing.
Reported counts include nearly a dozen weapons-related charges: possession of an assault rifle, manufacturing a ghost gun, converting a firearm to a machine gun, possession of stolen firearms and possession of armor-piercing ammunition, among others. (See source reporting below for full details.)
Background on Kamfolt and community reaction
Local reports describe Kamfolt as an active conservative and organizer in Shasta County who has attended and protested at Board of Supervisors meetings and raised election-integrity concerns. He has appeared at the county election office and stood publicly with militia members at meetings, according to local outlets.
Kamfolt has said he is a friend and supporter of Shasta County Supervisor Kevin Crye; Crye posted a Facebook video after the arrest saying he was “heartbroken,” urging people not to rush to judgment and reminding viewers that Kamfolt is “innocent until proven guilty.”
Online reaction was mixed: some commentators labeled the bunker a “prepper” or survivalist setup, while others expressed alarm over the quantity and type of weapons seized. Local leaders emphasized public safety concerns stemming from the combination of an illicit grow and a fortified arsenal.
Investigative next steps
The CHP said investigators will trace the origin of the firearms, determine how ammunition was acquired and assess whether others were involved. Firearm tracing and forensic work will be central to the ongoing probe as agencies work to establish links and possible wider trafficking.
Implications for Los Angeles, California
Economic: Weapons diverted from rural areas can surface in urban markets, increasing burdens on Los Angeles law enforcement and prosecutors to trace and disrupt trafficking networks.
Political & social: The case underscores tensions between rural and urban priorities—fueling calls for stronger gun tracking and enforcement from some, and concerns about civil-liberties balance from others. Community groups in Los Angeles may cite the discovery in urging more resources for gun tracing, prevention and safe-storage campaigns.
Practical takeaway: the discovery is a reminder that illegal weapons and illicit grow operations are not confined by geography; public reporting of suspicious activity remains vital.
Reporting notes and sources
This article is based on statements from the California Highway Patrol and reporting by multiple outlets. Sources used include:
Authorities ask anyone with information about the operation or the origins of the firearms to contact the CHP.
