Politics & Government

Windsor Mayor May Be Forced To Resign Amid Allegations

Amid sexual assault allegations against Mayor Dominic Foppoli, the Windsor Town Council called a special meeting for Wednesday.

The Windsor Town Council will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday. The meeting can be watched on Zoom.
The Windsor Town Council will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday. The meeting can be watched on Zoom. (Google Maps)

WINDSOR, CA — The Town of Windsor will hold a special meeting Wednesday to consider whether to demand the resignation of Windsor Mayor Dominic Foppoli amid accusations that he sexually assaulted five women.

In a statement Sunday, the Town and Town Council said the "shocking and horrible allegations," which first surfaced in a news report by the San Francisco Chronicle, "is not acceptable nor does it reflect the values or standards we hold ourselves to as a community."

It is alleged the sexual assaults took place between 2003 and 2019 and included forced oral copulation and rape.

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Town officials said the allegations have been referred to the Windsor Police Department, which is contracted by the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office.

"We ask for the community’s trust that the allegations are being taken seriously and that appropriate actions will be taken in response," town officials said.

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County, State Investigations

When Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch learned of the allegations she requested investigations by the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office and California Attorney General's Office, the DA said in a statement issued Monday.

"I was deeply concerned at what I learned, and immediately assigned my Chief Investigator and Chief Deputy in charge of sexual assault prosecutions to review the article and recommend next steps," Ravitch said.

Ravitch also put out a message asking any potential victims to contact her office. A number of people have since reached out, she said.

However, Ravitch said when she learned over the weekend that a member of her office also made allegations against Foppoli, she contacted the state attorney general's office.

"... My office would have a conflict of interest proceeding with any further investigation, or potential subsequent prosecution of charges related to the allegations," Ravitch said.

The state attorney general's office confirmed Monday it would "immediately assume the responsibilities of reviewing these incidents, and if appropriate, charging and prosecuting any relevant violations of the law," Ravitch said.

The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office remains the lead investigating agency, Ravitch said.

Allegations Denied

Foppoli has reportedly denied the allegations, calling them "baseless and manufactured."

He told The Press Democrat he is not a rapist and has never pressured a woman for sex.

A resident of Windsor since 1987, Foppoli made history in 2014 as the youngest-ever council member. Foppoli, who is now 38 years old, has dedicated his life to the family wine business and is co-founder and owner of Foppoli Wines, Benevolo Wines and Old Redwood Brewing Company. He also co-owns Christopher Creek Winery.

Foppoli has been removed from the family wine business, according to a news report.

Patch sent a request for comment to Foppoli and will update this article should we hear back from him.

Elected Officials Demand Resignation

In an April 8 letter, the mayors of eight Sonoma County cities and towns demanded Foppoli's resignation "in response to the credibility and significance of the allegations."

Sonoma County's state and congressional representatives have also reportedly called for Foppoli to step down.


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