Law enforcement officers in a northern California county made a surprising discovery while investigating a suspected illegal marijuana farm. Instead of just finding cannabis plants, Shasta County authorities stumbled upon a significant cache of illicit firearms and weapons.
On the property of a Make America Great Again (MAGA) activist, a 100-foot tunnel and a concealed bunker harboring the illegal weapons were uncovered. Among the weapons seized were a sawn-off shotgun. The bunker was equipped with essential facilities like a concrete floor, ventilation, drainage, and power, indicating it was also used for cannabis cultivation. Additionally, the hidden space featured amenities such as a gym, armchair, and television, with a Bennington flag associated with Trump supporters displayed on the wall.
The alarming stash, deemed a significant risk to public safety, was found during a search warrant execution at the Anderson residence of 40-year-old Michael Jay Kamfolt, conducted by members of the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
CHP Northern Division Chief John Pinoli, as reported by the LA Times, stated, “This operation surpassed a mere illegal grow operation. The combination of a hidden bunker and a substantial cache of illegal firearms and ammunition underscores the threat posed to public safety.”
The collection of unlawfully possessed weapons seized included three AR-15-style assault rifles, a sawn-off shotgun, and over 10,000 rounds of ammunition.
Kamfolt, known for his conservative activism and support of former President Donald Trump, was taken into custody on January 20. He has expressed concerns about election fraud and is closely associated with pro-Trump election denier and county supervisor Kevin Crye.
Crye, who survived a recent election recall, expressed dismay over Kamfolt’s arrest in a Facebook video, emphasizing the presumption of innocence. The CHP had received a tip about the illegal marijuana cultivation at Kamfolt’s property in December, leading to the subsequent investigation and search.
During the operation, officers confiscated 13 firearms, four soft body armor vests, and 30 high-capacity magazines. Two of the firearms had been reported stolen years ago.
Kamfolt, currently released from custody, faces various charges related to illegal possession of firearms, including modifying a firearm into a machine gun, manufacturing an untraceable gun, possessing stolen firearms, and having armor-penetrating ammunition.