Anderson Man Arrested: Underground Bunker, Weapons & Grow Site Found

Michael Jay Kamfolt, 40, was arrested Jan. 20, 2026, after California Highway Patrol found an underground, climate‑controlled bunker for marijuana cultivation on his Anderson property — and a large cache of illegal firearms and ammunition.

The probe began in December 2025 after a tip about suspected illegal cannabis cultivation on Kamfolt’s property roughly 10 miles south of Redding in Anderson. Investigators conducted an aerial survey, obtained a search warrant following a month‑long inquiry, and executed the warrant on Jan. 20. (Sources: Los Angeles Times, KRCRTV).

Officers reported finding a long concrete culvert — roughly 100 feet — that led to a concealed underground space. Inside, they documented a concrete floor with built‑in drainage, installed electrical service, ventilation systems and grow equipment consistent with an indoor cultivation operation. The hidden structure appeared intentionally designed to hide cultivation from neighbors and passing aircraft (California Highway Patrol release).

Authorities described the weapons cache as extensive and alarming. Seized items included:

• 13 firearms — including three AR‑15‑style rifles (one with an obliterated serial number) and a sawed‑off shotgun.
• Approximately 10,000 rounds of ammunition, with some armor‑piercing rounds among them.
• 30 high‑capacity magazines and four soft body armor vests.
• Two firearms that matched reports of thefts from 2016 and 1978.

CHP Northern Division Chief John Pinoli emphasized the public‑safety dimension of the seizure, framing it as “a threat posed to public safety” that “went far beyond an illegal grow.” (CHP)

Kamfolt was arrested at the scene and booked into Shasta County Jail on a mix of misdemeanor and felony weapons charges. Reported counts include:

• Possession of an assault rifle
• Manufacturing a ghost gun
• Converting a firearm to a machine gun
• Possession of stolen firearms
• Possession of armor‑piercing ammunition

Prosecutors had not filed a formal case with the district attorney at the time of reporting. Kamfolt posted $50,000 bail and was released on Jan. 21 pending further investigation (Los Angeles Times, Shasta Scout).

Kamfolt is a known conservative activist in Shasta County, frequently appearing at county meetings and protests related to election procedures and voter‑fraud claims. Reporting notes his presence at the Shasta County election office before the 2024 presidential election and images showing him with local militia members at events (Los Angeles Times, Shasta Scout).

Sources say Kamfolt has publicly described himself as a “good friend” of Shasta County Supervisor Kevin Crye, who posted a Facebook video after the arrest urging people not to rush to judgment and reminding viewers of the presumption of innocence (Los Angeles Times).

Record: Local records cited show no prior criminal convictions for Kamfolt; the new charges represent a significant shift in his public profile (Shasta Scout).

The discovery prompted varied online reaction: some described the site as a “dream prepper setup,” while others expressed alarm over armor‑piercing rounds and stolen firearms in a community setting. The episode has amplified questions about the intersection of illegal cultivation, weapons possession and enforcement capacity (Fox News, Los Angeles Times).

CHP officials underscored the risks to both law enforcement and neighbors when concealed structures are paired with large quantities of weaponry. Local agencies have noted that illicit grows can fuel violence, include stolen property, and strain community resources (CHP).

Though the discovery occurred in Shasta County, it carries lessons for other counties, including San Luis Obispo, in three key areas:

Economic impact

Illegal grows and hidden bunkers can impose remediation, enforcement and environmental cleanup costs on local governments and landowners. Counties may face expenses tied to investigation, recovery of stolen equipment and site restoration (Los Angeles Times, CHP).

Political consequences

The arrest of a locally known activist may reignite debates over ties between activists and public officials, transparency, and how counties respond when political figures face criminal allegations (Los Angeles Times).

Social effects and cultural relevance

Residents may press for stronger enforcement, community notification and neighborhood vigilance. The episode can prompt reflection on how political rhetoric intersects with real‑world risks, and encourage civil discourse while facts emerge from the legal process (CHP).

Local leaders and residents can take concrete steps to reduce risk:

• Report suspected illegal grows or suspicious outbuildings to law enforcement promptly.
• Secure personal property and report stolen equipment to aid recovery and investigation.
• Inspect remote structures and culverts on private property for unexplained utility hookups or equipment.
• Participate in public safety forums and neighborhood watch programs; request law‑enforcement outreach on signs of clandestine operations (CHP).

Reporting by Times Media Service; primary sources and further reading:

• Los Angeles Times: “Secret bunker, weapons found at MAGA activist’s California home”
• California Highway Patrol news release
• Fox News: “California man arrested after fortified underground bunker found with weapons cache”
• KRCRTV: “Underground bunker and arsenal uncovered in massive marijuana bust”
• Shasta Scout: “Shasta man had illicit marijuana grow and underground bunker”

Note: Authorities say the investigation remains active; the presence of firearms with obliterated serial numbers and reportedly stolen guns could prompt additional federal scrutiny if interstate trafficking or federal violations are suspected.