USA (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Justin Tawse Brigham, 44-year-old co-founder of Charlotte’s Sycamore Brewing, arrested on 11 December 2025 for statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl, first-degree burglary, and indecent liberties after allegedly breaking into a Stanly County home. Brewery co-owner Sarah Taylor, his wife, assumes full leadership, divests his interests, drops his surname, and expresses devastation amid swift company disassociation.
Incident Details
As reported by Axios Charlotte staff, the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office detailed that Brigham broke into the home on Wednesday evening, leading to the alleged sexual assault. WBTV news affiliates provided the initial court documents outlining the charges: statutory rape of a minor, first-degree burglary, and indecent liberties with a child. Justin Tawse Brigham’s mugshot from the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office has circulated widely following the arrest.
WCCB Charlotte’s coverage specifies that Brigham faces three felony charges directly tied to the break-in and rape of the 13-year-old child in Stanly County. A YouTube video from local news outlet confirms the charges as felony statutory rape of a child under 15, felony first-degree burglary, and related offences. The Charlotte Business Journal notes the arrest occurred Thursday, with full details emerging from Stanly County court records.
Brewery’s Response
Sycamore Brewing acted swiftly to distance itself from Brigham. As per Axios Charlotte, co-founder Sarah Taylor stated on Instagram:
“Effective immediately, I am assuming leadership of [the company]. Justin [is] divesting of his [interests] and will have no further involvement.”
The Charlotte Business Journal reports that the management team announced Justin Tawse Brigham is no longer affiliated with the company following his legal issues.
Hindustan Times coverage quotes Sarah Taylor’s full statement to employees, customers, and partners:
“I am devastated by the charges against Justin and the pain this has inflicted on our family and others. Effective immediately, I am assuming full leadership of the company. Justin is divesting all of his interest and will have no further involvement. Our team remains my highest priority as a mom and a business owner.”
Taylor has dropped Brigham’s surname, reverting to her maiden name, as revealed in the same statement.
The Instagram post from Sycamore Brewery’s account featured a popular beer image alongside Brigham’s mugshot for context, underscoring the shock to the business community. No additional comments from the brewery have been issued as the story develops.
Background on Sycamore Brewing
Sycamore Brewing ranks among Charlotte’s most prosperous craft breweries, known for its Cotswold taproom and ambitious regional expansion plans. Founded by Justin Brigham and Sarah Taylor, the business had built a strong reputation in the local craft beer scene prior to the arrest. The Charlotte Business Journal highlights its success in the competitive market.
Facebook post from YQC News describes Brigham as the co-founder of Charlotte’s Sycamore Brewing, held on $10 million bond for the felony accusations. The brewery’s prominence amplifies the fallout, with Taylor emphasising continuity and team priority in her leadership transition.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Brigham’s charges carry severe penalties under North Carolina law. Statutory rape of a child under 15 constitutes a Class B1 felony, while first-degree burglary is a Class C felony, and indecent liberties with a child adds further grave counts. Bond remains at $10 million, reflecting the seriousness as per Stanly County court filings.
WCCB Charlotte’s editors’ choice piece reiterates the three felony charges stemming from the home invasion and assault on the minor. YouTube coverage from the news station plays footage detailing the multi-charge indictment against Justin Tawse Brigham, 44. No court date has been specified in initial reports, with the story marked as updating.
Community and Family Impact
Sarah Taylor’s statement conveys profound personal turmoil: “devastated by the charges against Justin and the pain this has inflicted on our family and others.” As a mother and business owner, she prioritises the team amid the crisis. The brewery’s customer base and partners face uncertainty, though leadership continuity is assured.
Local media, including Axios and WBTV, note the shockwaves in Charlotte’s business and brewing communities. Hindustan Times profiles Taylor’s swift name change and role assumption post-arrest. No statements from Brigham or his legal representation have surfaced yet.
Broader Coverage
A Facebook breaking news post from YQC News links the $10 million bond to the co-founder’s felony rape accusations, though it briefly mentions an unrelated South Carolina case involving James Lowery, 63, for context on regional crimes. All sources confirm the core facts without contradiction, focusing on Brigham’s arrest and brewery fallout.
This incident underscores vulnerabilities in prominent local businesses when principals face serious allegations. Investigations continue, with updates expected as court proceedings advance.
