Former California Mayor Found Liable for Sexual Assault

The former Democratic mayor of Windsor, California, Dominic Foppoli, was found civilly liable for allegedly sexually assaulting seven women. This decision came on Friday, and he is required to pay a total of $13 million in compensatory damages to these individuals. The payouts to the women range from $6,000 to $4,650,938, according to KTVU FOX 2.

The civil trial will continue to determine whether Foppoli must also pay punitive damages, starting Tuesday. Despite these findings, Foppoli denies all allegations and has not faced criminal charges related to these claims. He resigned as mayor in May 2021 after accusations by four women were reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.

Details of the Allegations

The lawsuit, filed in April 2022, presented allegations from seven women known as Jane Does. Some women claimed that Foppoli drugged their drinks prior to assaulting them. One accuser, Jane Doe 1, alleged that he raped her numerous times and once handcuffed her to a bed. In total, 13 women have accused Foppoli of sexual misconduct.

In 2024, the state attorney general’s office halted its criminal investigation into Foppoli, citing insufficient evidence to file charges, apart from issues barred by the statute of limitations.

During the civil trial that began in July, Foppoli again denied the accusations. “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,” he testified, as reported by KGO Eyewitness News.

Involvement of Active 20-30 Club

The jury also held the Santa Rosa chapter of Active 20-30 responsible for Jane Doe 4’s alleged assault, awarding her an additional $2 million. She accused Foppoli of assaulting her during a national convention in Reno, Nevada, in June 2012, and alleged the organization failed to investigate her complaints.

Attorney Traci Carrillo, representing the plaintiffs, expressed that media coverage, particularly from the San Francisco Chronicle, empowered her clients who otherwise struggled to voice accusations against a prominent local politician. Carrillo stated that the courtroom provided validation for the plaintiffs and a path toward healing.

Defense’s Response

Andrew Watters, Foppoli’s attorney, plans to request a mistrial, arguing that the court improperly omitted key defense witnesses. If unsuccessful, an appeal will be pursued. Watters described the verdict as being influenced by questionable evidence and jury bias, not about true justice.

Foppoli, speaking outside the courthouse, claimed his accusers sought financial gain rather than justice. He continues to face another lawsuit from Farrah Abraham, a social media personality, who alleges that Foppoli raped her in 2021 in Florida. That case is scheduled for trial next year.

Additionally, Christopher Creek Winery, owned by Foppoli, settled another lawsuit with a Montana woman claiming multiple assaults in 2020.