At a Glance
- Michael Jay Kamfolt, 40, was arrested Jan. 20 on a dozen firearm charges.
- A 100-foot tunnel led to a secret bunker stocked with 13 firearms, 30 high-capacity magazines, and 10,000 rounds of ammunition.
- The operation was uncovered after a December 2025 tip and aerial surveillance confirmed an illegal marijuana grow.
- Why it matters: The discovery shows how illicit grow sites can become dangerous weapons hubs, posing a public-safety threat.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) recently arrested a 40-year-old grower in Northern California after finding a hidden bunker that held an alarming cache of firearms and ammunition. The operation, located in Anderson, roughly two hours north of Sacramento, was exposed following a December 2025 tip and months of surveillance.
Investigation Background
In December 2025, CHP received a tip about a suspected illegal marijuana operation in Anderson. Aerial surveillance confirmed the property’s suspicious activity, prompting the agency to obtain a search warrant. The investigation spanned a month before the warrant was executed on Jan. 20.
The Search and Discovery
During the warrant execution, officers discovered a 100-foot tunnel that opened into a subterranean bunker. The bunker was fully equipped for cultivation, featuring electricity, ventilation, and a concrete floor with built-in drainage. Inside, the grower had stocked the bunker with all necessary supplies to grow marijuana.
Seized Weapons and Evidence
The arresting officers seized a total of 13 firearms:
- 3 AR-15-style assault rifles (one had its serial number removed)
- 1 sawed-off shotgun
- 9 other assault-style weapons
Two of the firearms had been reported stolen, one in 1978 and the other in 2016. In addition to the guns, authorities confiscated:
- 30 high-capacity magazines
- Approximately 10,000 rounds of ammunition
- 4 bulletproof vests, one emblazoned with the word “villain”
- Body armor and other protective gear
A photo release from CHP shows rows of firearms, green metal ammunition boxes, and bulletproof vests, illustrating the scale of the cache.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Michael Jay Kamfolt was booked on several weapons-related charges, including:
- Possession of an assault rifle
- Possession of a firearm with an altered serial number
- Manufacturing a ghost gun
He was also charged with possession of a sawed-off shotgun and other assault-style weapons. According to Shasta County jail records, Kamfolt was no longer in custody as of Tuesday.
Officer Statements
CHP Northern Division Chief John Pinoli released a statement describing the operation:
> “This operation went far beyond an illegal grow,” said John Pinoli. “The combination of a hidden bunker and an alarming cache of illegal firearms and ammunition highlights the threat posed to public safety. I am proud of the tireless work of our Northern Division personnel that led to this arrest.”
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 2025 | Tip received about illegal grow operation in Anderson |
| December 2025 – January 2025 | CHP conducts aerial surveillance and gathers evidence |
| Jan. 20 | Search warrant executed; bunker discovered and weapons seized |
| Jan. 20 | Kamfolt arrested on multiple firearm charges |
| Tuesday (date unspecified) | Kamfolt no longer in custody per jail records |
Current Status
As of the latest update, Kamfolt has been released from custody, but the legal proceedings are ongoing. The case continues to be monitored by CHP Northern Division and local authorities.
Key Takeaways
- The discovery of a fully equipped bunker with 13 firearms and 10,000 rounds underscores the potential for illegal grow sites to become dangerous weapons hubs.
- The operation involved a 100-foot tunnel, illustrating the lengths offenders will go to conceal illicit activity.
- Multiple stolen firearms and a ghost gun were among the seized items, raising concerns about weapon trafficking.
- The arrest and subsequent release of Kamfolt highlight the complexity of legal follow-up in such cases.
The investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to assess the broader implications for public safety and law enforcement.
