Charlotte NC, December 16, 2025
Justin Brigham, former co-owner of Sycamore Brewing, faces serious charges including statutory rape following alleged interactions with a 13-year-old girl via Snapchat. His arrest has led to the brewery distancing itself from him, with retailers withdrawing products and company operations being affected. This case highlights the ongoing dangers of online interactions for minors and has sparked discussions on the need for heightened online safety measures among parents and guardians.
Charlotte, North Carolina
In a significant development that has drawn widespread attention across the region, Justin Brigham, 44, formerly a co-owner of the prominent Sycamore Brewing, is facing a severe array of charges, including statutory rape, linked to accusations of meeting a teenage girl through the social media platform Snapchat. This unfolding legal situation has not only led to Brigham’s incarceration but has also triggered substantial repercussions for Sycamore Brewing, as the company has moved to formally sever ties with him and numerous establishments have begun withdrawing its products. The arrest and subsequent charges underscore critical concerns regarding online safety and the potential vulnerabilities faced by minors in digital interactions.
Arrest and Escalating Charges
The initial arrest of Justin Brigham occurred on December 11, stemming from an incident reported to have taken place on December 10 in Stanly County. Authorities allege that Brigham engaged with the victim, a 13-year-old girl, via Snapchat and text messages, leading to a physical encounter.
The gravity of the situation intensified on December 15, when prosecutors filed a series of additional felony charges against Brigham. These new charges include three counts of statutory sex offense of someone under 15, one count of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, and one count of soliciting a child by a computer. These accusations collectively paint a troubling picture of alleged predatory behavior utilizing digital communication channels. Furthermore, an additional felony charge of assault inflicting serious bodily injury, unrelated to the minor victim, was also filed on the same day. Brigham remains in custody at the Stanly County Jail, held under a substantial $10 million bond, with bond not being permitted for some of the newly added charges.
Community and Corporate Fallout
The allegations against Brigham have swiftly led to significant professional and public backlash. Sycamore Brewing, a well-known name in the Charlotte area, promptly announced the official removal of Justin Brigham from its state business records. This move reflects the brewery’s effort to distance itself from the alleged actions of its former co-owner.
The broader business community has also reacted decisively. Numerous bars and grocery stores throughout the Charlotte metropolitan area have opted to discontinue the sale of Sycamore Brewing products. This collective action by retailers signals a strong stance against the alleged conduct and its association with a local brand. Adding to the corporate repercussions, officials at the Charlotte airport have indicated their plans to remove Sycamore’s taproom from its terminal, marking another significant operational change for the brewery.
Sycamore Brewing has publicly addressed the controversy, expressing profound heartbreak for the victim and her family. In their statements, the company has clarified that they will not provide assistance for Brigham’s legal defense, emphasizing their trust in the legal system to ensure full accountability for his actions. The company has acknowledged the violation of trust felt by the community, friends, and family, and expressed their shared anger over the situation.
Vigilance in the Digital Age: A Recurring Concern
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent and evolving risks associated with online interactions, particularly concerning the safety of young people. The alleged use of social media platforms like Snapchat by individuals with malicious intent to target and exploit minors is a recurring theme in reports of child sexual abuse. These platforms, while offering avenues for connection, also present challenges in verifying identities and intentions, making children vulnerable to misrepresentation and exploitation.
Experts and law enforcement frequently advocate for heightened parental awareness and proactive measures in monitoring children’s online activities. Recommendations often include restricting social media settings, maintaining open communication about online friends and interactions, and being vigilant for signs of inappropriate engagement, such as unexpected gifts or messages from unknown individuals. The ease with which predators can conceal their true identities and intentions online necessitates a continuous emphasis on digital literacy and safety education for both children and their guardians. This case, among others, reinforces the critical importance of robust online safety practices to protect vulnerable populations in the increasingly digital landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is Justin Brigham?
Justin Brigham, 44, is the former co-owner of Sycamore Brewing.
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What are the main accusations against Justin Brigham?
Justin Brigham is facing a severe array of charges, including statutory rape, three counts of statutory sex offense of someone under 15, one count of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of soliciting a child by a computer, and assault inflicting serious bodily injury.
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When was Justin Brigham arrested and when were new charges filed?
Justin Brigham was arrested on December 11, and new felony charges were filed against him on December 15.
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Where did the alleged incident involving the minor occur?
The alleged incident involving the minor occurred on December 10 in Stanly County.
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How did Justin Brigham allegedly meet the victim?
Justin Brigham allegedly met the 13-year-old victim online through Snapchat and text messages.
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What has been the impact on Sycamore Brewing?
Sycamore Brewing has officially removed Justin Brigham from its state business records. Numerous bars and grocery stores throughout the Charlotte metropolitan area have opted to discontinue the sale of Sycamore Brewing products, and officials at the Charlotte airport have indicated plans to remove Sycamore’s taproom from its terminal.
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What are the broader implications of this case regarding online safety?
This incident highlights the persistent and evolving risks associated with online interactions, particularly concerning the safety of young people, and the alleged use of social media platforms like Snapchat by individuals with malicious intent to target and exploit minors.
Key Details of the Justin Brigham Case
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Accused Individual | Justin Brigham |
| Age of Accused | 44 |
| Primary Allegation | Statutory Rape of a 13-year-old girl |
| How Victim Met Accused | Through Snapchat and text messages |
| Victim’s Age | 13 |
| Date of Incident | December 10 |
| Date of Arrest | December 11 |
| Date of New Charges | December 15 |
| Bond Amount | $10 million (no bond for some new charges) |
| Location of Incident | Stanly County |
| Company Affiliation | Former co-owner of Sycamore Brewing |
| Corporate Response | Officially removed from business records, products discontinued by retailers, airport taproom removal planned |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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