Sonoma County Jury Finds Ex‑Windsor Mayor Dominic Foppoli Liable, Orders $13M in Damages

A Sonoma County jury on Sept. 11 found former Windsor Mayor Dominic Foppoli civilly liable for sexual assault and ordered him to pay a combined $13 million in damages to seven women identified only as Jane Does.

The civil verdict followed a trial that addressed allegations first made public in 2021 but spanning roughly 2003–2019. The jury concluded the plaintiffs met the civil standard of liability for the claims brought against Foppoli.

Defense Response and Appeal Plans

Foppoli, who resigned as Windsor mayor in May 2021, has repeatedly denied the allegations. His attorney, Andrew Watters, said Foppoli "maintained his innocence from the beginning" and plans to appeal, arguing the trial involved "legal errors from the beginning" and testimony that, the defense says, undermined some claims. The defense also emphasized that Foppoli has not been criminally charged in connection with these allegations.

Plaintiffs' Reaction

Traci Carrillo, counsel for the plaintiffs, praised the women for coming forward and enduring a lengthy legal process. Outside the Santa Rosa courthouse she described the verdict as "the ultimate validation" for survivors and said the case exposed what she called an "old boy club" culture in parts of Sonoma County that failed to protect women.

Allegations and Case Details

The first public accusations emerged in 2021 when four women spoke to reporters about incidents between 2003 and 2019. Among the allegations: one woman said she was 21 in 2019 when she was assaulted by a then‑37‑year‑old Foppoli; another alleged she was an 18‑year‑old campaign volunteer in 2003 who was pressured to drink and subsequently raped; a third described an encounter after splitting a taxi in 2006; and a fourth said she was nearly unconscious from intoxication at a conference in Reno when sexual activity occurred.

Additional women later came forward with related claims. The plaintiffs pursued civil remedies alleging a pattern of predatory conduct over many years.

Awards and Aftermath

Two plaintiffs received the largest individual awards: Jane Doe 1 was awarded roughly $3.8 million and Jane Doe 7 about $4.7 million, together accounting for the bulk of the $13 million judgment. Plaintiffs' attorneys say the verdict affirms survivors who spoke out; the defense says it will challenge the decision on appeal.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1‑800‑656‑HOPE (4673) or visit RAINN.org for resources and support.