Stanfield, North Carolina, January 10, 2026
Justin Tawse Brigham, co-owner of Sycamore Brewing, faces serious charges including statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl and first-degree burglary. The allegations emerged from an incident in Stanfield, North Carolina, prompting public concern. The charges, reflecting severe offenses, have garnered significant attention within the local community. The ongoing investigation by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office highlights the gravity of the situation as legal proceedings are set to continue.
Stanfield, North Carolina
Justin Tawse Brigham, a 44-year-old co-owner of Charlotte-area brewery company Sycamore Brewing, has been charged with serious offenses, including statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl, first-degree burglary, and indecent liberties with a child. These charges stem from an alleged incident in Stanfield, North Carolina. News of these charges became public recently.
Allegations and Arrest Details
Court documents indicate that Brigham allegedly broke into a home in Stanfield on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, where the alleged rape of the 13-year-old girl occurred. The Stanly County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Brigham’s arrest on the evening of Wednesday, December 10, following the alleged incident. The charges brought against him reflect the gravity of the accusations, involving both a violent entry into a private residence and a severe sexual offense against a minor.
The alleged victim is identified as a 13-year-old girl. The circumstances described in the court documents outline an alleged invasion of privacy and a crime against a vulnerable individual.
Understanding the Charges
The charges against Brigham are significant under North Carolina law. Each charge carries specific legal definitions and serious potential penalties.
Statutory Rape of a Child by an Adult
In North Carolina, statutory rape of a child by an adult is defined as when a person who is at least 18 years old engages in vaginal intercourse with a victim who is under the age of 13 years. This offense is classified as a Class B1 felony and carries a mandatory minimum active prison sentence of 300 months. The legal age of consent for sexual activity in North Carolina is generally 16 years old, but this specific statute addresses situations involving a child under 13 and an adult perpetrator.
First-Degree Burglary
First-degree burglary in North Carolina involves unlawfully breaking and entering into someone else’s dwelling house or sleeping apartment at nighttime with the intention of committing a felony inside. A critical element of first-degree burglary is that the dwelling must be actually occupied by a person at the time the crime is committed. The act of “breaking” can include any amount of force used to gain entry without permission, even opening an unlocked door or window. This charge is categorized as a Class D felony.
Indecent Liberties with a Child
The charge of indecent liberties with a child in North Carolina applies when an individual, who is at least 16 years old and at least five years older than the child, willfully takes or attempts to take indecent or immoral actions with a child under the age of 16 for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire. It also includes willfully committing or attempting to commit lewd or lascivious acts upon or with the body of a child under the age of 16. This offense is a Class F felony. Notably, physical contact is not always required for this charge; it can also encompass actions such as sexually graphic conversations with minors or exposing oneself to a child.
Community Impact and Ongoing Proceedings
The charges against a prominent business owner have drawn significant attention within the Charlotte-area community. Sycamore Brewing is a well-known company, and the involvement of one of its co-owners in such serious allegations has prompted public concern. The legal process is expected to continue as authorities gather evidence and prepare for court proceedings.
The Stanly County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation into the matter, ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to address the severe nature of the charges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Justin Tawse Brigham accused of?
Justin Tawse Brigham, 44, is accused of statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl, first-degree burglary, and indecent liberties with a child.
When and where did the alleged incident occur?
The alleged incident occurred in Stanfield, North Carolina, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
What is Justin Tawse Brigham’s connection to Sycamore Brewing?
Justin Tawse Brigham is a co-owner of Sycamore Brewing, a Charlotte, North Carolina-area brewery company.
What does ‘statutory rape of a child by an adult’ mean in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, statutory rape of a child by an adult occurs when a person at least 18 years of age engages in vaginal intercourse with a victim who is a child under 13 years of age.
What are the elements of ‘first-degree burglary’ in North Carolina?
First-degree burglary in North Carolina involves unlawfully breaking and entering the dwelling house or sleeping apartment of another person at nighttime with the specific intent to commit a felony therein, while the dwelling is actually occupied by an individual.
What constitutes ‘indecent liberties with a child’ in North Carolina?
Indecent liberties with a child in North Carolina occurs when a person, at least 16 years old and five years older than the child, willfully takes or attempts to take indecent or immoral actions with a child under 16 to arouse or gratify sexual desire, or commits or attempts to commit lewd acts upon or with the body of a child under 16.
Key Features of the Allegations
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Accused Individual | Justin Tawse Brigham, 44 | Local |
| Alleged Victim’s Age | 13-year-old girl | Local |
| Primary Charge | Statutory Rape of a Child by an Adult | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Additional Charges | First-Degree Burglary, Indecent Liberties with a Child | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Location of Alleged Incident | Stanfield, North Carolina | Local |
| Accused’s Business Affiliation | Co-owner of Sycamore Brewing (Charlotte-area brewery) | Local |
| Date of Alleged Incident/Arrest | Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | Local |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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