Underground Bunker, Cache of Weapons Found in Anderson; Man Arrested in Bust That Officials Say Threatens Public Safety
Michael Jay Kamfolt, 40, of Anderson, California, was arrested Jan. 20, 2026, after CHP investigators found a fortified underground bunker tied to an illegal marijuana grow containing an extensive cache of illegal firearms, armor and about 10,000 rounds.
- Search uncovered a fortified underground bunker accessed through a 100-foot culvert and fitted with power, ventilation and drainage — linked to an illicit cannabis site (CHP press release).
- Seized items: 13 firearms, ~10,000 rounds including armor-piercing rounds, 30 high-capacity magazines and four soft body armor vests (Fox News).
- Charges: Kamfolt faces nearly a dozen weapons-related counts, including manufacturing a ghost gun and possession of an assault rifle (CHP).
Investigation that led to the raid
Timeline: CHP Northern Division detectives say the probe began in December 2025 after the CHP Northern Division Canine Unit received a tip about suspected illegal marijuana cultivation on the Anderson property. An overflight by CHP Air Operations confirmed signs of activity, and investigators obtained a search warrant executed Jan. 20 following roughly a month-long inquiry (CHP; Fox News).
Officer safety: Authorities said initial signs suggested an illegal grow, but what they found raised immediate safety concerns — prompting a careful, methodical search of buildings and the bunker to ensure officer and public safety.
Description of the bunker
Officers discovered a fortified, underground shelter entered through a long, 100-foot culvert. The bunker included power, ventilation, a concrete floor with built-in drainage and supplies consistent with marijuana cultivation, authorities reported (CHP; Fox News).
“The combination of a hidden bunker and a large weapons cache highlights the threat posed to public safety,” said CHP Northern Division Chief John Pinoli, who praised officers for their work.
Weapons, armor and ammunition seized
During the search, officers seized multiple items that increased the threat profile of the site:
- 13 firearms — including a sawed-off shotgun and three AR-15 style rifles. One AR-15 had an obliterated serial number; two firearms were reported stolen (2016 and 1978) (CHP; Fox News).
- Four soft body armor vests.
- 30 high-capacity magazines.
- Approximately 10,000 rounds of ammunition, including armor-piercing rounds.
Investigative follow-up: Authorities are examining ballistic and tracing records to determine how some weapons entered circulation and whether they are linked to other crimes (CHP).
Charges filed against Kamfolt
Kamfolt was taken into custody and booked following the search. The CHP lists nearly a dozen weapons-related charges, including:
- 30605(a) PC: Possession of an Assault Rifle
- 30600(a) PC: Manufacturing of an Assault Rifle
- 33215 PC: Manufacturing of a Short Barreled Rifle
- 32625(a) PC: Possession of a Machine Gun
- 32625(b) PC: Converting a Firearm into a Machine Gun
- 23920 PC: Possession of an Altered Firearm Serial Number
- 24610 PC: Manufacturing and Possession of an Undetectable Firearm
- 496(a) PC: Possession of a Stolen Firearm
- 29180(b) PC: Manufacturing of a “Ghost Gun”
- 30315 PC: Possession of Armor Penetrating Ammunition
- 32310(C) PC: Possession of a High Capacity Magazine
The array of charges reflects multiple criminal theories under state law, from illegal manufacture to possession of weapons intended to evade law enforcement traceability (CHP).
Official statements and law enforcement reaction
CHP Northern Division Chief John Pinoli called the find a clear danger to the community and commended the “tireless work” of CHP personnel. The CHP press release provides a detailed account of the operation, charges and seized items (CHP).
Local and online reactions
The CHP’s social post drew varied responses: some described the bunker as a “prepper” setup or joked about an “apocalypse,” while others expressed alarm over the quantity of weapons. Media coverage highlighted the unusual combination of a hidden bunker with munitions and body armor and the heightened public-safety concerns that follow (Fox News).
Ongoing investigation
Detectives said the inquiry is continuing as they pursue leads about the source of the weapons, the construction of the bunker and any possible wider criminal network. No additional arrests or updates beyond Jan. 20 have been reported so far (CHP; Fox News).
Implications for Hesperia
Economic impact: The find underscores risks tied to illegal grows and unregulated properties. Hesperia officials and landowners may face pressure to increase inspections of remote properties; increased enforcement could raise local costs while protecting property values and reducing crime-related expenses.
Public safety consequences: Residents should note that weapons and illegal operations can be hidden far from population centers. The presence of armor-piercing rounds, high-capacity magazines and body armor suggests a higher threat level than a typical illegal-cannabis site.
Political and policy effects: The case could prompt local leaders in Hesperia and San Bernardino County to call for stricter enforcement of state gun laws, closer monitoring of suspect properties, and renewed debate over regulations on ghost guns and magazine capacity.
Community actions: Neighborhood watch groups and homeowners are encouraged to report suspicious activity, check security systems, and participate in public briefings to learn how to spot signs of illegal grows or hidden bunkers.
Legal and enforcement takeaways: The charges demonstrate the range of state tools to prosecute complex weapons cases and show how tips, air operations, canine units and patrol officers can work together to dismantle hidden threats (CHP).
Sources
- California Highway Patrol press release: Illicit cannabis cultivation operation leads to discovery of underground bunker and large cache of illegal firearms
- Fox News coverage: California man arrested after fortified underground bunker found with weapons cache
The investigation remains active as detectives follow leads about the weapons’ origins and any possible links to other crimes (CHP; Fox News).
