EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Windsor Mayor Dominic Foppoli denies sexual assault allegations ahead of civil trial

SONOMA COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- Jury selection is underway in Sonoma County Superior Court in the civil trial involving former Windsor Mayor Dominic Foppoli, who faces allegations of sexual assault and misconduct from seven women over a period spanning two decades.

The allegations, first made public in 2021, led to a political scandal that ultimately forced Foppoli to resign from office. He has consistently denied all wrongdoing.

"Obviously, the allegations made against me are terrible and untrue," Foppoli said outside court this week. "I've said this for more than five years."

The seven accusers, identified in court documents as Jane Does, allege Foppoli sexually assaulted them. According to court filings, at least three of the women claim they were assaulted on multiple occasions.

Foppoli said the allegations and the lengthy legal process have taken a significant personal toll.

"It's been incredibly difficult for me and my family," he said. "I'm a new father. I have a 6-month-old. To have my wife sit outside and go through this is one of the most challenging things of my life."

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Attorneys representing the women say their clients have spent years seeking accountability after criminal investigations failed to result in charges.

"Any sexual assault case is so traumatic and difficult for victims to come forward, and they did," said attorney Traci Carrillo, who represents the accusers. "The long road was a criminal investigation. They were let down by the criminal system."

Authorities launched two criminal investigations into allegations against Foppoli. Neither resulted in criminal charges. Prosecutors cited insufficient evidence to move forward.

The women are now pursuing their claims through civil litigation.

Foppoli's attorneys maintain that he did nothing wrong and contend the encounters were consensual.

"My client knows he's done nothing wrong," attorney Andrew Watters said. "The encounters were consensual, and he has defenses including the statute of limitations."

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Separate civil complaints involving Foppoli are also continuing through the court system. One of those cases was filed by former reality television star Farrah Abraham, who alleges Foppoli sexually assaulted her at a Florida house party in 2021 while she was impaired. Foppoli has denied those allegations as well.

As the Sonoma County civil trial moves forward, Foppoli says he hopes the proceedings will allow him to clear his name.

"There should be legislation to fix this," he said, referring to the anonymity granted to the plaintiffs. "I've been clear I've been innocent the entire time."

Opening testimony is expected to begin next week. Foppoli says he plans to take the stand in his own defense.

No criminal charges have been filed against Foppoli, and he continues to deny all allegations.