Charlotte, North Carolina, December 18, 2025
Justin Tawse Brigham, the former co-owner of Sycamore Brewing, has been charged with six additional felonies related to child exploitation, bringing his total charges to nine. The allegations stem from an incident involving a 13-year-old girl. Following the new charges, his bond was drastically increased, and he has been removed from the brewery, which is now experiencing a significant business downturn amid community backlash.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Additional Felony Charges Filed Against Former Brewery Co-Owner in Stanly County Case
Charlotte, North Carolina – Justin Tawse Brigham, 44, the former co-owner of Sycamore Brewing in Charlotte, faces a wave of new felony charges, bringing the total to nine, following his initial arrest last week in connection with an incident in Stanfield, Stanly County. These additional charges were filed on Monday, December 15, 2025, and have led to a significant increase in his bond and further scrutiny of the widespread implications for his former business.
Increased Charges and Bond for Justin Brigham
Authorities in Stanly County announced on Monday the filing of six new felony charges against Mr. Brigham, who was already facing three felony counts. The updated charges include three additional counts of statutory sex offense against a child under 15, one count of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, and one count of soliciting a child by computer. These are in addition to the initial charges of statutory rape of a child under 15, first-degree burglary, and indecent liberties with a child.
Furthermore, Mr. Brigham has been charged with assault inflicting serious bodily injury. This new assault charge alleges that he assaulted a man on December 10 by grabbing and twisting the man’s genitals, causing extreme pain. Following the filing of these additional charges, Mr. Brigham’s initial $10 million secured bond was increased to $11,250,000. Later reports indicated his bond was revoked entirely.
Details of the Initial Incident
The initial arrest stemmed from an incident on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at a home on Furr Road in Stanfield. According to the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office, Mr. Brigham is accused of breaking into the residence and engaging in sexual acts with a 13-year-old girl. The victim’s parents reportedly discovered Mr. Brigham in their daughter’s bedroom and promptly called 911. Upon arrival, deputies located Mr. Brigham naked in a nearby vehicle and detained him without incident.
Investigators revealed that Mr. Brigham had been communicating with the 13-year-old victim online for approximately two weeks leading up to the incident. These communications reportedly occurred via a common social media platform, and Mr. Brigham was allegedly aware of the victim’s age.
Impact on Sycamore Brewing
The arrest and subsequent charges have sent shockwaves through Charlotte’s craft beer community, significantly impacting Sycamore Brewing. Sarah Taylor, Mr. Brigham’s wife and co-founder of the popular Charlotte brewery, has publicly stated her devastation over the allegations and has taken full leadership of the company. Mr. Brigham has been removed from the business, divesting all his interest, and is no longer listed as a managing member in the North Carolina business database.
The brewery, which had grown to become Charlotte’s largest, is now facing a severe downturn in business. Reports indicate empty taprooms, the impending closure of its outpost at Charlotte’s airport, and a fragile retail distribution network due to a considerable backlash from consumers, bars, and grocery chains.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The Stanly County Sheriff’s Office continues its active investigation into the matter, with assistance from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. As part of the ongoing inquiry, deputies executed a search warrant at Mr. Brigham’s south Charlotte residence on December 11, seizing multiple electronic devices. Authorities anticipate additional charges as they review the gathered evidence.
Mr. Brigham made his first appearance in Stanly County District Court on December 11. He is currently being held in the Stanly County Jail, with his next court appearance scheduled for December 29, 2025. Should he be granted bail, conditions for his release would include surrendering his passport, remaining within North Carolina, avoiding contact with the victim, and refraining from using social media.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What are the new charges filed against Justin Brigham?
- Justin Brigham faces three additional counts of statutory sex offense against a child under 15, one count of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of soliciting a child by computer, and one count of assault inflicting serious bodily injury.
- When were the additional charges filed?
- The additional charges were filed on Monday, December 15, 2025.
- What were Justin Brigham’s initial charges?
- His initial charges included statutory rape of a child under 15, first-degree burglary, and indecent liberties with a child.
- What is Justin Brigham’s current bond status?
- His initial $10 million secured bond was increased to $11,250,000 with the new charges, and his bond was later revoked.
- What are the details of the alleged assault inflicting serious bodily injury?
- The charge alleges Justin Brigham assaulted a man on December 10 by grabbing and twisting the man’s genitals, causing extreme pain.
- How has Sycamore Brewing been affected by these events?
- Justin Brigham has been removed from the business, and his wife has taken full leadership. Sycamore Brewing is experiencing a significant downturn, including empty taprooms, impending airport outpost closure, and shaky retail distribution due to backlash from consumers.
- When is Justin Brigham’s next court appearance?
- His next court appearance is scheduled for December 29, 2025.
Key Features of the Justin Brigham Case
| Feature | Description | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Accused Individual | Justin Tawse Brigham, 44, former co-owner of Sycamore Brewing | Charlotte (Residence), Stanly County (Incident) |
| Initial Charges (December 11, 2025) | Statutory rape of a child under 15, first-degree burglary, indecent liberties with a child | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Additional Charges (December 15, 2025) | Three counts of statutory sex offense against a child under 15, second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, soliciting a child by computer, assault inflicting serious bodily injury | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Initial Bond | $10 million | Stanly County |
| Current Bond Status | Increased to $11,250,000, later revoked | Stanly County |
| Incident Location | Furr Road, Stanfield, Stanly County | Stanly County, North Carolina |
| Key Allegations | Sexual acts with a 13-year-old girl, online communication, assault on a man | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Business Impact | Sycamore Brewing facing significant downturn, co-founder removed, wife assumed full leadership | Charlotte (Business location), State-level (Distribution) |
| Next Court Date | December 29, 2025 | Stanly County |
Now Happening on X
- @theobserver (December 18, 2025, 7:10 AM) A 911 call has led to the discovery of a body in a residential neighborhood in Charlotte, prompting an investigation by CMPD. View on X
- @RHHerald (December 15, 2025, 6:50 AM) Charlotte’s latest homicide is linked to a parking lot near a daycare, according to reports on ongoing local crime issues. View on X
- @wcnc (December 15, 2025, 5:04 AM) A homicide investigation is underway following a shooting in southeast Charlotte, with authorities examining the scene for leads. View on X
- @WSOCTV (December 15, 2025, 6:45 AM) Four individuals were arrested and firearms seized after suspicious activity was reported in north Charlotte, enhancing community safety efforts. View on X
- @wsoctv (December 14, 2025, 10:45 AM) A Charlotte man has been arrested after authorities discovered drugs in his vehicle and a hotel room, part of a larger push against local drug-related crimes. View on X
- @Queen_City_News (December 12, 2025, 6:19 PM) A man accused of killing a previously missing Charlotte mother has been arrested about two hours from the city, updating a significant homicide case. View on X
- @Queen_City_News (December 12, 2025, 9:14 AM) The body of a missing Charlotte mother was found in a vehicle, launching a homicide investigation by CMPD to address the tragic incident. View on X
- @theobserver (December 12, 2025, 11:00 AM) One man is linked to a violent crime spree in Charlotte that included murder and arson, as reported by NC police in their investigations. View on X
- @Queen_City_News (December 11, 2025, 11:00 AM) A death investigation is underway in a north Charlotte neighborhood, with CMPD responding to ensure public safety. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Sycamore Brewing’s Airport Taproom to Transition Following Felony Charges
Charlotte Brewery Co-Owner Faces New Child Assault Charges
Sycamore Brewing Faces Uncertain Future Amid Felony Charges
Charges Against Former Sycamore Brewing Co-Owner Raise Online Safety Concerns
Charlotte: Sycamore Brewing Co-Owner Could Face Additional Charges
Illegal Immigrant Faces Federal Assault Charges in Charlotte
Sycamore Brewing Co-Owner Arrested on Child Rape Charges
Charlotte Small Businesses Face Holiday Challenges Amid Consumer Support
Charlotte Small Businesses Struggle with Tariff Increases
Sycamore Brewing Co-Owner Arrested on Serious Charges
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
