Underground bunker and large weapons cache lead to Anderson, California arrest; CHP uncovers fortified hideout during illegal grow probe
On January 20, 2026, Michael Jay Kamfolt, 40, of Anderson, California, was arrested after CHP agents uncovered a fortified underground bunker and a large cache of illegal firearms during an illegal marijuana cultivation probe and ammunition.
- Arrest and seizure: Michael Jay Kamfolt arrested Jan. 20, 2026; officers found a hidden bunker with weapons and cultivation equipment (CHP press release).
- Weapons cache: 13 firearms, ~10,000 rounds (including armor‑piercing rounds), four soft body armor vests, 30 high‑capacity magazines, and ghost‑gun components seized.
- Charges and custody: Nearly a dozen felony weapons counts; Kamfolt booked into Shasta County Jail, posted $50,000 bail and was released (Shasta Scout).
- Public-safety concern: CHP described the operation as fortified and far beyond a typical illegal grow, prompting ongoing leads and investigations (Fox News).
Investigation and arrest
The California Highway Patrol\u2019s Northern Division Canine Unit opened a probe in December 2025 after receiving a tip about a possible illegal marijuana grow on a property in Anderson. Officers confirmed signs of cultivation via an overflight and conducted a month-long investigation before obtaining a search warrant executed on January 20, 2026 (CHP; Fox News).
How officers found and accessed the bunker
During the search, law enforcement discovered a clandestine underground bunker accessed through a roughly 100-foot‑long culvert. Officers reported the structure had:
- Electrical power and a ventilation system
- A concrete floor with drainage and supplies consistent with indoor marijuana cultivation
- Fortified, hidden construction indicative of long‑term use
Weapons, ammunition and other items seized
The CHP reported a large and varied cache of weapons and related equipment recovered from the bunker, including:
- 13 firearms — including a sawed-off shotgun and three AR-15–style rifles (one with its serial number obliterated).
- Two firearms listed as stolen (one reported stolen in 2016, another in 1978).
- Approximately 10,000 rounds of ammunition, including armor‑piercing rounds.
- Four soft body armor vests and 30 high‑capacity magazines.
- Components and tools consistent with manufacturing ghost guns (unserialized firearms).
Sources: CHP report and local coverage documented the items seized (CHP; Fox News; Shasta Scout).
Charges filed and legal details
Kamfolt was booked on nearly a dozen weapons-related felony counts. The CHP listed the following Penal Code sections in its booking report:
- 30605(a) PC: Possession of an assault rifle.
- 30600(a) PC: Manufacturing of an assault rifle.
- 33215 PC: Manufacturing of a short-barreled rifle.
- 32625(a) PC & 32625(b) PC: Possession of and conversion into a machine gun.
- 30315 PC: Possession of armor‑piercing ammunition.
- 32310(c) PC: Possession of a high‑capacity magazine.
The CHP also reported counts related to the manufacturing and possession of ghost guns. Local records show Kamfolt was booked into Shasta County Jail, posted $50,000 bail and was released; records indicated no prior criminal convictions (Shasta Scout).
CHP perspective and public-safety concerns
“This operation went far beyond an illegal grow. The combination of a hidden bunker and an alarming cache of illegal firearms and ammunition highlights the threat posed to public safety,” — CHP Northern Division Chief John Pinoli (CHP).
Background on Kamfolt and local reporting
Regional reporting noted Kamfolt\u2019s local political activity, attendance at meetings tied to a Shasta County supervisor and reposts of extremist material on social media, according to local outlets. Officials cautioned the public to await further details as detectives pursue additional leads (Shasta Scout; Fox News).
Community reaction and context
Social media responses ranged from shock to dark humor, with some users comparing the bunker setup to prepper or survivalist installations. Others emphasized public‑safety concerns given the presence of armor‑piercing rounds and converted firearms. The CHP said no additional crime scenes were tied to the weapons at the time of its release (CHP).
Implications for the Inland Empire
Economic: Illegal grows and clandestine operations increase costs for local governments through investigations, evidence processing and court actions.
Political: The case may influence debates on enforcement of gun regulations, land‑use controls and transparency in investigations.
Social & cultural: Discoveries of fortified bunkers raise concerns about extremism, prepping culture and community cohesion in diverse regions like the Inland Empire.
Practical takeaways for residents: Be vigilant for unusual deliveries, concealed access points or heavy electrical use at odd hours; report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the CHP (CHP).
Legal and safety takeaways
The seizure of armor‑piercing ammunition, high‑capacity magazines and converted/ghost guns raises both legal exposure for suspects and safety risks for first responders. The case highlights the need for coordinated responses among local police, county sheriffs and state agencies.
