Dominic Foppoli, the former mayor of Windsor, California, has been found liable for sexual assault against seven women by a jury in Sonoma County. The verdict, announced on September 11, 2026, requires Foppoli to pay a total of $13 million in damages to the victims, whose identities have been protected under anonymity laws and are referred to only as Jane Does.
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The jury’s decision comes after a civil trial during which the allegations were detailed. The claims against Foppoli date back nearly two decades, with the initial public revelations surfacing around five years ago. Despite maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings, Foppoli’s legal team expressed disappointment with the jury’s ruling, suggesting that the evidence presented was flawed or questionable.
Andrew Watters, Foppoli’s attorney, contended that his client had been seeking a chance to prove his innocence in court, asserting that Foppoli presented a “consistent and plausible” account of events. He noted that there were multiple witnesses who refuted the claims made by one of the women, highlighting what he characterised as legal missteps during the trial process.
Foppoli, who resigned from his position as mayor in May 2021, has yet to face criminal charges related to these allegations. His attorney has indicated plans to appeal the jury’s verdict, arguing that the judicial process should prioritise truth and fairness. Watters stated, “It’s important to keep in mind that our justice system is predicated on truth, fairness, and equity, and we look forward to presenting this matter in the court of appeal.”
On the other hand, Traci Carrillo, the attorney representing the victims, celebrated the decision as a significant victory for her clients. She praised their bravery for enduring their trauma and fighting for justice, stating, “This is the ultimate validation.” Carrillo’s comments came shortly after the jury delivered its verdict outside the Santa Rosa courthouse.
The initial allegations against Foppoli were brought to light in 2021 when four women spoke publicly about their experiences with the former mayor. The accusations spanned from 2003 to 2019, with claims that include instances of coercion and non-consensual encounters. One woman alleged she was assaulted in 2019 when she was 21 years old, while another described being pressured into drinking alcohol before being assaulted in 2003, when she was just 18.
Following the resignation of Foppoli, the city council appointed Rosa Reynoza to take over his role as mayor. Reynoza expressed relief at Foppoli’s departure, suggesting it was a necessary step for the town to progress and heal from the shadows of the allegations against him. “It’s just sad that it had to take another allegation for him to finally resign,” she remarked.
The financial compensation awarded to the victims varied, with Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 7 receiving the largest portions of the settlement, at approximately £3.8 million and £4.7 million each, respectively. Carrillo noted that the case not only sought justice for the victims but also pulled back the curtain on what she described as a deep-rooted culture of silence regarding the treatment of women in Sonoma County.
As Foppoli prepares for his appeal, the civil trial remains a crucial turning point in the ongoing fight against sexual violence and the accountability of public figures. The verdict is a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding allegations of assault and the often arduous path to justice for survivors.
For those affected by similar issues, resources such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline are available at 0800 030 900 or through their website, where support and guidance can be accessed by victims and their families.