Justin Tawse Brigham, the former co-owner of Sycamore Brewing in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been charged with statutory rape of a child under 15 years of age, first-degree burglary, and indecent liberties with a child. As reported by WCNC Charlotte, Brigham was arrested today and is currently held on a $10 million bond.
Details from the arrest warrant revealed that Brigham is accused of breaking into a home yesterday, and engaging in sexual acts with a 13-year-old girl, as WBTV reported. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 29, where he will face the serious allegations brought against him.
Following the announcement of the charges, Sarah Taylor, the wife of Justin Brigham, and co-owner of Sycamore Brewing took immediate action. In a statement obtained by QC News, she expressed her devastation over the charges and announced that Justin Brigham would divest all of his interest in the company. "Effective immediately, I am assuming full leadership of the company. Justin is divesting all of his interest and will have no further involvement," she stated, emphasizing her commitment to the business and the team as both a mother and business owner.
Established in 2013 by the Brighams, Sycamore Brewing has made a name for itself as one of Charlotte's top craft breweries, expanding distribution across seven states. The company's profile has been closely tied to the couple, now the challenges confronting Justin Brigham casts a shadow over Sycamore Brewing's legacy, a point of reflection for the brewery's customers and North Carolina's brewing community at large.
