The former mayor of Windsor, California, Dominic Foppoli, was found civilly liable on Friday for sexually assaulting seven women, with a jury ordering him to pay $13 million in compensatory damages.
Civil Judgment and Damages
The verdict, delivered after a civil trial that began in July, includes payouts ranging from $6,000 to $4.65 million for each plaintiff, according to KTVU FOX 2.
Foppoli, who served as mayor from late 2018 to 2021, denied all accusations and has never faced criminal charges.
He stepped down in May 2021 after four women told the San Francisco Chronicle they were sexually assaulted by him.
The lawsuit, filed in April 2022, alleges that Foppoli drugged drinks and assaulted women at multiple events between 2001 and 2020; seven women, identified as Jane Does, are the primary plaintiffs.
According to the Chronicle, 13 women have accused Foppoli of sexual misconduct, and a separate civil case by Farrah Abraham is slated for trial next year.
The punitive damages phase will commence on Tuesday, potentially increasing the financial exposure.
Active 20‑30 Liability
The jury also held the Santa Rosa chapter of Active 20‑30, a male social club where Foppoli belonged, responsible for the assault of Jane Doe 4, awarding her an additional $2 million.
Attorney Traci Carrillo, representing the plaintiffs, said the Chronicle story gave her clients a voice after local outlets refused to cover the allegations.
“They feel vindicated and will now focus on healing,” Carrillo added.
Defense Response
Foppoli’s attorney, Andrew Watters, said the court improperly excluded key defense witnesses and will seek a mistrial; an appeal is planned if the motion fails.
Watters criticized the verdict, claiming the jury relied on “questionable self‑reported evidence” and “junk science” to inflame passions.
At a press conference outside the courthouse, Foppoli asserted that his accusers were “trying to crucify” him for a cause he does not support and suggested they were motivated by the $13 million payout.
Other Legal Matters
Foppoli faces a separate civil suit from Farrah Abraham, who alleges he raped her in March 2021 at a Palm Beach house party; that case is expected to go to trial in 2025.
Christopher Creek Winery, owned by Foppoli, settled a 2020 lawsuit from a Montana woman who claimed he raped her repeatedly when she was 18.
James Cirrone, a writer for Fox News Digital, reported the story; tips can be sent to james.cirrone@fox.com.
