Hidden bunker, “alarming” weapons cache found on Northern California property; owner faces nearly a dozen weapons charges
Michael Jay Kamfolt, 40, was arrested Jan. 20, 2026, after a California Highway Patrol raid uncovered a fortified underground bunker, an illicit cannabis grow and a large cache of illegal firearms, ammunition and body armor on his Anderson property.
Key takeaways
- Arrest: Michael Jay Kamfolt, 40, was arrested after a Jan. 20, 2026 search revealed a concealed, fortified underground bunker and an illicit grow.
- Weapons cache: Authorities seized 13 firearms (including AR-15-style rifles and a sawed-off shotgun), roughly 10,000 rounds of ammunition, 30 high-capacity magazines and four soft body armor vests.
- Charges: Kamfolt faces nearly a dozen felony weapons counts — including alleged manufacturing and possession of assault rifles, machine guns, armor-piercing ammo and high-capacity magazines.
- Status: Booked into Shasta County Jail, posted $50,000 bail and released; CHP says the investigation continues and no marijuana charges have yet been filed.
Bunker discovery and what officers found
The California Highway Patrol’s Northern Division began an inquiry after a December 2025 tip to its Canine Unit and an overflight. Investigators secured a search warrant and executed it on Jan. 20, 2026, according to the CHP news release.
Officers located a concealed entrance and a roughly 100-foot culvert leading to a concrete-lined, fortified underground bunker. CHP says the space had power, ventilation, a concrete floor with drainage and supplies consistent with indoor cannabis cultivation; provided images show a low-ceiling tunnel built for long-term use.
Inside the bunker and elsewhere on the property: authorities report seizing 13 firearms, including three AR-15-style rifles (one with an obliterated serial number), a sawed-off shotgun and two firearms reported stolen in 2016 and 1978. Some weapons appeared modified into machine guns or ghost guns, per the CHP statement and local reporting from Shasta Scout.
Investigators also recovered roughly 10,000 rounds of ammunition — including armor-piercing rounds described as capable of penetrating protective vests — plus 30 high-capacity magazines and four soft body armor vests, according to the CHP and media coverage by Fox News.
Charges and legal status
Kamfolt was booked on multiple state Penal Code violations linked to illegal weapons possession and manufacturing. Public reports list counts including:
- Possession and manufacturing of assault rifles (PC 30605(a), 30600(a)).
- Making a short-barreled rifle (PC 33215).
- Possession and conversion of a machine gun (PC 32625(a), 32625(b)).
- Possession of armor-piercing ammunition (PC 30315) and possession of high-capacity magazines (PC 32310(c)).
- Additional counts related to ghost gun manufacturing and possession of stolen firearms.
Media summaries of the criminal counts and allegations are available in reporting from Fox News and statements from the CHP.
No marijuana charges filed; investigation continues
Although cultivation equipment and grow supplies were found inside the bunker, the CHP has not filed marijuana-related charges as of its news release. Investigators say they are following additional leads connected to the property and the suspected illicit grow; local reporting by Shasta Scout notes the probe remains active.
Background on Michael Jay Kamfolt and local reactions
Public records and reporting indicate Kamfolt has been active in local political circles in Shasta County. Shasta Scout reports Kamfolt visited the county election office before the Nov. 2024 presidential election, attended a board meeting with militia members after the election and supported a local supervisor during protests over an appointment.
Shasta Scout also describes online activity resharing extremist content. Public reaction ranged from calling the bunker “apocalypse prep” to concerns tied to his reported associations; local officials and residents quickly responded after the arrest.
Official statement
“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
Booking, bail and record
Kamfolt was booked into the Shasta County Jail on the weapons charges and held on $50,000 bail; local reporting indicates he posted bail and was released. Shasta County records cited by Shasta Scout show no prior county convictions.
Investigative steps and public safety questions
The CHP described a methodical investigation that began with a canine-unit tip and included aerial surveillance and property checks before the January warrant. Authorities continue to examine weapon origins, whether stolen firearms link to other crimes, and potential risks beyond the property.
The discovery raises broader questions about detection of underground bunkers, coordination among agencies, and prevention of similar caches — issues law enforcement leaders and policymakers may review moving forward.
Implications for San Diego, California
- Public safety: The Shasta County discovery underscores risks posed by hidden bunkers and large weapons caches across California, and the dangers if similar caches are located near urban centers.
- Law enforcement coordination: The case highlights uses of aerial surveillance and canine units; San Diego agencies might review interagency information-sharing and rural property-check tactics.
- Community awareness: Rural property owners and neighborhood watch groups should remain alert for unusual construction, long culverts or signs of concealed spaces.
- Policy considerations: Policymakers may revisit enforcement approaches for weapons laws and illegal grow regulations, and resource allocation for detecting subterranean facilities.
- Political and social impact: Local officials will likely monitor how the case unfolds, given reported online activity and political associations tied to the arrested individual.
