Charlotte, North Carolina, December 20, 2025
Sycamore Brewing has terminated its partnership with co-founder Justin Brigham following his arrest on serious charges, including statutory rape of a minor. Brigham, who has been ordered to divest all interests in the company, allegedly broke into a home and assaulted a 13-year-old girl. Sarah Taylor, co-founder and Brigham’s wife, has taken over leadership. Several retailers in North Carolina have stopped selling the brewery’s products due to the allegations, and an ongoing investigation may lead to additional charges.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Sycamore Brewing Ends Partnership with Co-Founder Amid Serious Charges
Charlotte, North Carolina – Sycamore Brewing has severed ties with co-founder Justin Brigham following his arrest on multiple serious charges, including statutory rape of a child, first-degree burglary, and indecent liberties with a child. Brigham, 44, was arrested in Stanly County after allegedly breaking into a home and assaulting a 13-year-old girl. In response to these charges, Sycamore Brewing’s co-founder and Brigham’s wife, Sarah Taylor, has assumed full leadership of the company, with Brigham divesting all interests and having no further involvement. Additionally, Sycamore Brewing’s taproom at Charlotte Douglas International Airport is being replaced by a new dining concept, though the location remains operational during the transition. Several retailers and bars across North Carolina have ceased selling Sycamore Brewing products in light of the allegations. The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be forthcoming.
Background on the Charges
Brigham’s arrest followed an incident in Stanfield, North Carolina, where he was accused of breaking into a residence and assaulting a 13-year-old girl. The girl’s parents reported the intrusion, leading to Brigham’s arrest. He was charged with statutory rape of a child, first-degree burglary, and indecent liberties with a child, with a bond set at $10 million. The Stanly County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
Company’s Response and Community Impact
In the wake of the charges, Sarah Taylor, co-founder of Sycamore Brewing, expressed devastation over the situation and announced her assumption of full leadership of the company. She stated that Brigham is divesting all of his interests and will have no further involvement. The brewery has also distanced itself from Brigham, with the taproom at Charlotte Douglas International Airport being replaced by a new dining concept. Several bars and retailers across North Carolina have ceased selling Sycamore Brewing products, including Bargarita in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood and Freya’s Haus in Wilmington. These establishments cited the seriousness of the allegations and their commitment to community values as reasons for discontinuing the sale of Sycamore Brewing products.
Ongoing Investigation
The Stanly County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case, with potential for additional charges as more information becomes available. The community remains deeply concerned, and local businesses are reevaluating their associations with Sycamore Brewing in light of the serious allegations against Brigham.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges has Justin Brigham faced?
Justin Brigham has been charged with statutory rape of a child, first-degree burglary, and indecent liberties with a child. He was arrested in Stanly County after allegedly breaking into a home and assaulting a 13-year-old girl.
What is Sycamore Brewing’s response to the charges?
Sycamore Brewing’s co-founder and Brigham’s wife, Sarah Taylor, has assumed full leadership of the company. Brigham is divesting all of his interests and will have no further involvement with the brewery.
Have any businesses stopped selling Sycamore Brewing products?
Yes, several bars and retailers across North Carolina have ceased selling Sycamore Brewing products, including Bargarita in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood and Freya’s Haus in Wilmington. These establishments cited the seriousness of the allegations and their commitment to community values as reasons for discontinuing the sale of Sycamore Brewing products.
Is the investigation ongoing?
Yes, the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case, with potential for additional charges as more information becomes available. The community remains deeply concerned, and local businesses are reevaluating their associations with Sycamore Brewing in light of the serious allegations against Brigham.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Charges Against Justin Brigham | Statutory rape of a child, first-degree burglary, and indecent liberties with a child. Arrested in Stanly County after allegedly breaking into a home and assaulting a 13-year-old girl. |
| Sycamore Brewing’s Response | Co-founder Sarah Taylor assumes full leadership; Brigham divests all interests and has no further involvement. Taproom at Charlotte Douglas International Airport being replaced by a new dining concept. |
| Business Reactions | Several bars and retailers across North Carolina, including Bargarita in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood and Freya’s Haus in Wilmington, have ceased selling Sycamore Brewing products due to the allegations. |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office, with potential for additional charges as more information becomes available. |
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