Shasta County officials recently uncovered a shocking situation while probing an illegal marijuana farm. Instead of just finding illegal plants, they discovered a large stash of firearms and a hidden underground bunker at the property of Michael Jay Kamfolt, a 40-year-old MAGA supporter.
Kamfolt was arrested on January 20 after a search led by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) found numerous weapons, including three AR-15-style rifles, a sawed-off shotgun, and over 10,000 rounds of ammunition. Following his arrest, records show he is no longer in custody.
CHP Northern Division Chief John Pinoli described the discovery as alarming. “This operation went far beyond an illegal grow,” he stated, emphasizing the public safety threat posed by Kamfolt’s stash.
Kamfolt has made headlines in the past as a conservative activist, often attending local protests and Board of Supervisors meetings. Reports note that he frequently raised issues regarding voting fraud. In a county that has leaned heavily toward hard-right politics, his affiliations with influential figures, such as county supervisor Kevin Crye, have come under scrutiny. Crye, a strong supporter of Trump, narrowly avoided a recall election in March 2024.
Kamfolt’s ties to Crye were made evident when he claimed to be a close friend, supporting him during various protests. After the arrest, Crye expressed his dismay in a Facebook video, urging followers not to rush to judgment. He reminded everyone that people are innocent until proven guilty.
The CHP’s investigation began with a tip in December about potential illegal marijuana operations on Kamfolt’s property, located in Anderson, a city near Redding. The search revealed not just cannabis-growing supplies but also a surprisingly elaborate underground bunker.
Officers discovered a 100-foot tunnel leading to a bunker that contained tools, power supplies for marijuana cultivation, and living amenities like a gym and a TV. The walls adorned with historical American flags reflected Kamfolt’s political leanings.
In total, law enforcement seized 13 firearms, four bulletproof vests, and high-capacity magazines. Among the weapons, two were stolen—one dating back to 1978. Kamfolt faces multiple charges related to weapons, including converting firearms into machine guns and manufacturing “ghost guns” with no serial numbers.
As the investigation continues, the CHP has yet to present the case to the Shasta County district attorney for potential charges. Right now, Kamfolt remains free.
This incident sheds light on broader trends in firearm ownership and paranoia surrounding personal safety in America today. From a 2021 survey, nearly one in five Americans reported that they or someone in their household owned a firearm due to concerns about safety and political climates. This worry, combined with rising political tensions, is causing an uptick in incidents like this one.
The situation in Shasta County offers a glimpse into how extreme political beliefs can intertwine with personal safety concerns, resulting in potentially dangerous outcomes. Understanding these dynamics is crucial as communities navigate public safety and governance in today’s charged political landscape.
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