Anderson, CA – A well-known conservative activist in Northern California was arrested last week after authorities uncovered a 100-foot-long tunnel leading to an underground bunker stocked with illegal firearms, ammunition, body armor, and marijuana cultivation supplies.
Investigation Overview
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) began investigating the property in Anderson, about 150 miles north of Sacramento, after receiving a tip regarding a suspected illegal marijuana grow operation. A CHP air unit conducted a flyover, confirming unusual activity, which led to a month-long investigation.
On January 20, CHP executed a search warrant at the property owned by Michael Jay Kamfolt, 40, revealing a bunker accessible through a 100-foot-long culvert. The bunker included power, ventilation, a concrete floor with built-in drainage, and equipment for cultivating marijuana. Photos show a television, armchair, home gym, and wall decorations, including historical American flags.
Weapons and Ammunition Seized
Officers recovered:
- 13 firearms, including three AR-15 style assault rifles (one a “ghost gun” without a serial number), a sawed-off shotgun, and two firearms reported stolen (from 1978 and 2016)
- Approximately 10,000 rounds of ammunition, including armor-piercing rounds
- 30 high-capacity magazines
- Four soft body armor vests
CHP Northern Division Chief John Pinoli highlighted the severity of the find:
“This operation went far beyond an illegal grow. The combination of a hidden bunker and an alarming cache of illegal weapons 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.”
Background on Kamfolt
Kamfolt is a prominent conservative activist in Shasta County, known for voicing concerns about voting fraud at county board meetings. He has publicly supported Shasta County Supervisor Kevin Crye, a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement. Crye narrowly survived a 2024 recall effort by 50 votes.
Following Kamfolt’s arrest, Crye posted a video on social media without naming him, saying:
“It came to my attention today that a supporter, and I’ll even say a friend of mine, was arrested last night. My heart is truly broken about the situation. I would really encourage people not to rush to judgment. Remember, we are innocent until proven guilty.”
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Kamfolt faces multiple misdemeanor and felony charges, including:
- Manufacturing a ghost gun
- Manufacturing an assault rifle
- Possession of a machine gun
- Converting a firearm into a machine gun
- Possession of armor-piercing ammunition
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and detectives continue to follow additional leads.
Conclusion
The arrest of Michael Jay Kamfolt underscores the dangers posed by hidden bunkers and illegal weapons caches. CHP officials stressed the importance of vigilant law enforcement and continued public reporting of suspicious activity to ensure community safety.
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