Charlotte, North Carolina, February 20, 2026
Justin Tawse Brigham, co-owner of Sycamore Brewing in Charlotte, faces severe charges including statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl. Brigham’s arrest in December has sparked concern in the local community, highlighting the legal seriousness surrounding charges of this nature. The judicial process is ongoing, and authorities have confirmed the allegations against him, which include first-degree burglary and indecent liberties with a child. Community scrutiny is increasing as the case unfolds.
Charlotte
Prominent Brewery Co-owner Charged with Serious Offenses
A co-owner of Sycamore Brewing, a well-known brewery in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, is facing severe legal charges. Justin Tawse Brigham, 44, has been charged with statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl, among other felony offenses. These developments have drawn significant attention within the local community.
Brigham was arrested in December 2025. The charges against him include first-degree burglary, statutory rape of a child by an adult, and indecent liberties with a child. Authorities allege that the incident involved Brigham breaking into the 13-year-old girl’s house. The Stanly County Sheriff’s Office officially confirmed that Brigham has been charged with statutory offenses.
Details of the Charges
The accusation of statutory rape of a child by an adult carries substantial legal weight in North Carolina. This specific charge addresses sexual offenses where the victim is a minor, and the perpetrator is an adult. North Carolina statutes specifically cover statutory rape or any sexual offense with a victim between the ages of 13 and 15 years old.
The charge of first-degree burglary implies an alleged unlawful entry into a dwelling with the intent to commit a felony, adding another layer of gravity to the accusations. Indecent liberties with a child is another serious charge, typically involving engaging in lewd or indecent acts with a minor. These charges collectively underscore the serious nature of the allegations against Brigham.
Community Impact and Ongoing Process
Sycamore Brewing is recognized as a significant establishment within the Charlotte brewing scene. The involvement of a co-owner in such a case naturally brings a degree of public scrutiny and concern to the business and the wider community.
It is important to note that these are charges, and the legal process is ongoing. Individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The judicial system will proceed with hearings, evidence presentation, and ultimately a verdict. Further details regarding the case are expected to emerge as it progresses through the North Carolina court system. The legal proceedings will determine the outcome of these serious allegations.
Legal Context in North Carolina
In North Carolina, offenses involving minors, particularly those of a sexual nature, are treated with the utmost seriousness. The legal framework is designed to protect children and hold accountable individuals who commit such acts. The charges against Brigham reflect the state’s rigorous stance on these types of crimes, which can lead to severe penalties upon conviction. The specific statutes related to statutory rape and indecent liberties are part of a broader effort to safeguard vulnerable populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who has been charged in this case?
- Justin Tawse Brigham, 44, a co-owner of Sycamore Brewing, has been charged.
- What are the specific charges against Justin Tawse Brigham?
- Justin Tawse Brigham has been charged with first-degree burglary, statutory rape of a child by an adult, and indecent liberties with a child.
- When was Justin Tawse Brigham arrested?
- Justin Tawse Brigham was arrested in December 2025.
- Where did the alleged incident involving breaking and entering occur?
- The alleged incident involved breaking into a 13-year-old girl’s house.
- Which law enforcement agency confirmed the charges?
- The Stanly County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Brigham has been charged with statutory offenses.
- What is the age range considered for statutory rape in North Carolina?
- In North Carolina, statutory rape or any sexual offense with a victim between 13 and 15 years old is addressed by law.
Key Details of the Case
| Detail | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Accused Individual | Justin Tawse Brigham, 44 | Local |
| Affiliation | Co-owner of Sycamore Brewing | Local |
| Primary Charge | Statutory Rape of a 13-year-old girl | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Additional Charges | First-degree burglary, indecent liberties with a child | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Arrest Date | December 2025 | Local |
| Location of Alleged Incident | Charlotte, North Carolina area, involving the victim’s house | Local |
| Confirming Authority | Stanly County Sheriff’s Office | Local |
| NC Statutory Rape Age Range | Victims 13-15 years old | State-level (North Carolina) |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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