The former mayor of Windsor, a small town in northern California, has been found civilly liable for allegedly sexually assaulting seven women. Dominic Foppoli, who served as mayor from late 2018 to 2021, has been ordered to pay a total of $13 million in compensatory damages. The victims’ compensation will range from $6,000 to $4.65 million each, according to KTVU FOX 2.
Foppoli might also face punitive damages when that phase of his civil trial resumes. Despite the allegations, he has consistently denied wrongdoing and has never faced criminal charges. He resigned in May 2021 after initial accusations were reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.
The lawsuit, initiated in April 2022, includes accounts from seven women, some of whom allege that he drugged their drinks before the assaults. One woman, referred to as Jane Doe 1, claims he repeatedly raped her, including an incident where she says he handcuffed her to a bed. In total, 13 women have accused Foppoli of sexual assault or misconduct.
The state attorney general’s office halted its criminal investigation in 2024, citing insufficient evidence for charges. Throughout the civil trial, which began in July, Foppoli testified, denying all allegations.
“I’ve been a terrible boyfriend and partner, cheating, selfish and egotistical, but I’ve never done any of those things I’m being sued for,” Foppoli stated during the trial, as reported by KGO Eyewitness News.
The Santa Rosa chapter of the Active 20-30 club, which Foppoli was a part of, was also held liable for one woman’s alleged assault, awarding her an extra $2 million. This incident was claimed to have occurred during the club’s convention in Reno, Nevada, in June 2012.
Attorney Traci Carrillo, representing the plaintiffs, noted that the San Francisco Chronicle exposé provided a platform previously unavailable due to Foppoli’s political influence. “It took over 5 years to get them justice, which was always about accountability,” Carrillo commented.
Andrew Watters, Foppoli’s attorney, expressed intentions to seek a mistrial, contending that crucial defense witnesses were improperly excluded. Watters criticized the verdict, suggesting the jury’s decision was influenced by questionable evidence.
Foppoli responded by claiming his accusers aimed for personal gain through the payout. He is also defending against a lawsuit from Farrah Abraham, who alleges Foppoli raped her in 2021. That trial is expected next year.
Separately, Foppoli’s winery settled a lawsuit from a Montana woman who accused him of raping her in 2020.