Hidden bunker, “alarming” weapons cache found at California marijuana grow; man arrested in Anderson
A fortified underground bunker and an alarming weapons cache were discovered Jan. 20 on a rural Anderson property tied to a suspected illegal marijuana grow, leading to the arrest of Michael Jay Kamfolt, 40, who faces multiple weapons-related charges.
- Fortified bunker: Officers found a hidden underground structure accessed via a 100-foot culvert with power, ventilation and drainage systems.
- Weapons seized: Authorities recovered 13 firearms, roughly 10,000 rounds (including some armor-piercing), 30 high-capacity magazines and four soft-body armor vests.
- Charges and custody: Kamfolt was booked on nearly a dozen weapons-related counts, posted $50,000 bail and was released the next day.
- Ongoing probe: CHP began the investigation after a December tip and conducted about a month of surveillance before obtaining a warrant; the case remained under review for potential DA charges.
The discovery and initial investigation
The California Highway Patrol said investigators opened the probe after a tip in December 2025 about a suspected illegal marijuana grow on property owned or occupied by Michael Jay Kamfolt, located in Anderson, roughly 10 miles south of Redding. Authorities obtained a search warrant after conducting aerial surveillance and monitoring the site for about a month before executing the warrant on Jan. 20. (Sources: Los Angeles Times, KRCRTV.)
What officers found on the property
When officers entered the property they located a 100-foot culvert that led to a hidden, fortified underground bunker. CHP described the space as built with installed power and ventilation, a concrete floor with built-in drainage and cultivation equipment consistent with indoor marijuana growing operations. Investigators said the hidden structure appeared designed to conceal a large‑scale, long‑term operation. (Sources: Los Angeles Times, KRCRTV.)
Weapons and contraband seized
The CHP inventory from the search listed an extensive cache:
- 13 firearms in total, including three AR‑15–style rifles, a sawed‑off shotgun and one weapon with an obliterated serial number.
- Approximately 10,000 rounds of ammunition — investigators said some rounds appeared to be armor‑piercing.
- Thirty high‑capacity magazines and four soft‑body armor vests.
- Two weapons were linked to prior theft reports (traces to thefts reported in 2016 and 1978).
Law enforcement described the cache as “alarming.” CHP Northern Division Chief John Pinoli said the combination of a concealed bunker and the weapons posed a clear public safety danger and suggested the operation went “far beyond an illegal grow.” (Sources: Los Angeles Times, Fox News.)
“The hidden bunker and the weapons found posed a clear danger to public safety,” CHP Northern Division Chief John Pinoli said.
Criminal charges and custody
Kamfolt, 40, was arrested by the California Highway Patrol on Jan. 20 and booked on nearly a dozen weapons‑related charges. Authorities listed counts including converting a firearm into a machine gun, manufacturing a ghost gun, possession of armor‑piercing ammunition, possession of a stolen firearm and possession of an assault rifle. He posted $50,000 bail and was released the following day. Shasta County jail records indicated he had no prior convictions at the time of reporting. (Sources: Los Angeles Times, Fox News, Shasta Scout.)
Background on Michael Jay Kamfolt
Local reporting and public records describe Kamfolt as an active conservative organizer in Shasta County who attended protests and county Board of Supervisors meetings, raised concerns about alleged voting irregularities, and associated with others holding MAGA‑era views. Coverage noted his presence at the Shasta County Election Office before the 2024 presidential election and that he had appeared with known militia members at a county meeting. (Sources: Los Angeles Times, Shasta Scout.)
Investigation status and next steps
CHP officials said the probe remained active. Investigators were reviewing collected evidence and preparing materials for potential presentation to the Shasta County district attorney. Authorities said they would pursue how the firearms were acquired, whether any weapons were used in other crimes, and whether additional suspects were involved in the operation. (Sources: Los Angeles Times, KRCRTV.)
Implications for Huntington Beach, California
Though the case centers in Anderson, the discovery has broader implications for communities like Huntington Beach:
- Economic: Increased enforcement can lead to inspections, compliance costs and short‑term disruptions for nearby properties; real estate and insurance markets may factor perceived risk into rates.
- Public safety: The presence of unregistered and modified firearms, body armor and armor‑piercing rounds raises concerns about violent actors being better equipped than expected, potentially prompting local agencies to seek more resources or training.
- Political and civic: The arrest of a local conservative activist may prompt debates on balancing civil liberties and public safety, especially among conservative voters focused on rule of law.
- Community response: Neighborhood meetings, watch groups and calls for better reporting channels may increase as residents seek reassurance.
Practical steps for residents
Residents should remain vigilant. Report unusual activity such as heavy, unexplained electrical use, frequent deliveries of grow supplies, or suspicious construction. Tipsters played a key role in this case; community reporting can lead to significant law enforcement findings. Residents can contact local representatives to advocate for resources to combat illegal grows and illicit firearms. (Sources: Los Angeles Times, KRCRTV, Fox News, Shasta Scout.)
