Full Breakdown
Former Windsor Mayor Dominic Foppoli Found Civilly Liable for Sexual Assault of Seven Women
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Verdict and Damages
A Sonoma County Superior Court jury unanimously concluded that former Windsor mayor Dominic Foppoli is liable for the sexual assault of seven women. The jury ordered Foppoli to pay more than $13 million in compensatory damages, with individual awards ranging from $6,000 to $4.65 million. The Santa Rosa chapter of the Active 20-30 Club, of which Foppoli was a member, was also found liable and ordered to pay $2 million for negligence related to one plaintiff’s claim. A hearing to determine punitive damages is scheduled for a Tuesday.
Background of the Lawsuit
The civil action, filed in April 2022, consolidates allegations from seven women—identified in court as Jane Does—spanning incidents from 2001 to 2020. Plaintiffs say Foppoli used alcohol, drugs and his political influence to assault the women, including claims of drugging drinks, handcuffing a victim to a bed, and non-consensual groping. Foppoli resigned as mayor in May 2021 after the accusations became public. Two prior criminal investigations were suspended for lack of sufficient evidence.
Data & Statistics
- Number of plaintiffs: 7 women (Jane Does)
- Total compensatory damages: > $13 million
- Individual awards: $6,000 – $4.65 million (largest award $4.65 million to Jane Doe 7)
- Active 20-30 Club liability: $2 million
- Jury composition: 12 jurors (6 men, 6 women) – unanimous verdict
- Trial length: Approximately eight weeks, with over 30 hours of testimony
Official Statements & Responses
Plaintiff attorney Traci Carrillo called the verdict “the ultimate validation” of the evidence and said the civil judgment provides the only recourse after the criminal system failed to act.
Defense attorney Andrew Watters announced plans to seek a mistrial, arguing the court improperly excluded key defense witnesses, and indicated an appeal will follow if the motion fails.
Judge Dana Simonds instructed the court to reconvene on Tuesday to consider punitive damages, noting that the jury’s findings addressed every cause of action presented by the plaintiffs.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Dominic Foppoli
- “It took over 5 years to get them justice, which was always about accountability. Their trauma was real, and they were believed, not shamed or silenced in the courtroom,” — Traci Carrillo
What’s Next
The court will hold a punitive-damages hearing on a Tuesday. Foppoli’s legal team has indicated they will file a motion to overturn the judgment on procedural grounds within the statutory 15-day window, followed by an appeal to the California Court of Appeal.
*All statements and figures are drawn from the reporting of the trial and the parties involved.*