A former California mayor has been ordered to pay millions of dollars after a jury found him liable for sexually assaulting seven women over a period spanning nearly two decades. The civil court verdict against former Windsor Mayor Dominic Foppoli comes five years after allegations against him became public, while he continues to deny the claims.
Sonoma County Jury Rules Against Former Mayor
On Friday, September 11, 2026, a Sonoma County jury found Dominic Foppoli liable for sexual assault claims brought by seven women. The allegations covered events spanning nearly 20 years, with the first accusations becoming public in 2021.
The women, whose identities have not been disclosed and who are identified in court as Jane Does, were awarded a combined $13 million in damages.
Foppoli resigned from his position as mayor of Windsor in May 2021, following the emergence of sexual assault allegations. He has denied the accusations and maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings.
Seven Women Receive Millions in Damages
The civil case involved allegations from seven women, with claims dating back to 2003. Two of the women received the largest portions of the jury’s award.
Jane Doe 1 was awarded approximately $3.8 million, while Jane Doe 7 received around $4.7 million, according to reports on the verdict.
Earlier allegations made public in 2021 involved four women who said Foppoli sexually assaulted them between 2003 and 2019. Their accounts included claims involving a campaign volunteer, a house party, a shared taxi ride and an incident at a conference in Reno, Nevada.
The women’s attorney, Traci Carrillo, praised her clients after the verdict. She said they had overcome trauma, shame and guilt while pursuing justice through a lengthy legal process.
Carrillo also described the verdict as a validation for the women and said the case exposed what she characterized as a culture that failed to protect women in Sonoma County.
Foppoli Denies Claims and Plans Appeal
Foppoli’s attorney, Andrew Watters, said his client has maintained his innocence from the beginning and was disappointed by the jury’s decision.
Watters argued that the trial involved legal errors and questioned the evidence presented in court. He also claimed that some witnesses disputed allegations connected to one of the plaintiffs.
The attorney said the legal team intends to pursue an appeal and is reviewing its options.
Foppoli has not been charged with any crimes in connection with the allegations. The verdict was issued in a civil case, where the jury determined liability and awarded damages to the women.
The case marks a major legal setback for the former mayor, whose resignation in 2021 brought an end to his time leading the town of Windsor.
