Charlotte, North Carolina, February 16, 2026
The legal troubles of Justin Tawse Brigham, co-owner of Sycamore Brewing in Charlotte, unfold as he faces serious charges, including statutory rape and burglary. The community reacts strongly to the allegations, prompting major distributors to pull the brewery’s products. As a response, Sycamore Brewing has announced changes in leadership and a temporary closure to reassess community values. The case underscores the vital importance of accountability and public trust in local business practices.
Charlotte: Legal Proceedings Unfold for Sycamore Brewing Co-owner
Serious allegations bring forth community and business response as legal process continues, highlighting the importance of accountability within Charlotte’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape.
Charlotte, North Carolina, is a city known for its dynamic economic growth and the spirit of North Carolina entrepreneurs who contribute to its thriving commercial ecosystem. From innovative startups to established local businesses, the dedication of the community’s business leaders is a cornerstone of its prosperity. However, maintaining public trust and upholding legal standards are paramount to this success. Recent events involving a prominent local business have brought these principles into sharp focus, as the legal system addresses serious allegations against an individual formerly associated with a well-known establishment.
The unfolding legal proceedings underscore the rigorous application of law and the community’s commitment to justice. As Charlotte continues to grow, so too does the emphasis on ethical conduct and the adherence to regulations that ensure a safe and orderly society for all residents and businesses. This situation highlights the legal process at work, ensuring accountability and maintaining the integrity of the local business environment. The judicial system is designed to impartially examine evidence and apply the law, a critical function in preserving community standards and trust in local commerce.
Arrest and Initial Charges
Justin Tawse Brigham, 44, who was identified as a co-owner of Sycamore Brewing, a Charlotte NC business, was arrested and faces significant charges. He was initially charged with first-degree burglary, statutory rape of a child by an adult, and indecent liberties with a child. These charges stem from an incident that reportedly occurred on December 10, 2025, at a residence in Stanfield, located in Stanly County. The alleged victim in this incident is a 13-year-old girl.
According to reports, Brigham was accused of breaking into the home. Upon arrival, deputies from the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office located him undressed in a vehicle near the victim’s home and subsequently took him into custody. Investigators also indicated that Brigham had been communicating with the juvenile victim for approximately two weeks prior to the incident through a popular social media application. Following his initial arrest, Brigham’s bond was set at $10 million.
Escalating Legal Landscape: Additional Charges
The legal landscape for Justin Tawse Brigham expanded with the filing of additional felony charges. These include three counts of statutory sex offense with a child younger than 15, second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, solicitation of a child by computer, and assault inflicting serious bodily injury. It has been clarified that the charge of assault inflicting serious bodily injury does not involve the juvenile female victim. These new charges led to an increase in his total secured bond, bringing it to $11.25 million.
As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities have seized electronic devices belonging to Brigham, with the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office indicating that further charges could be anticipated as evidence is reviewed. If Brigham were to be released on bond, conditions would include surrendering his passport, remaining within North Carolina, having no contact with the victim, and refraining from social media use. Scheduled court appearances have been noted for December 29, 2025, and January 26, 2026, as the legal process moves forward.
Impact on a Prominent Charlotte Business
Sycamore Brewing, known as Charlotte’s largest brewery and one of the city’s most popular establishments, has faced significant implications following these serious allegations. In response to the charges, the company issued a statement indicating that Justin Brigham would be divesting all of his interest and would have no further involvement with the company. Sarah Taylor, Brigham’s wife and a co-owner, has assumed full leadership of Sycamore Brewing.
The brewery announced a temporary closure of its taproom beginning January 5, 2026, stating that this period would “allow space for processing, healing, and beginning the work of reimagining this community space”. This decision reflects the challenges faced by Charlotte small business entities when confronted with such profound events, necessitating a period of introspection and strategic adjustment to uphold community values and maintain their place in the local economy.
Community and Market Reaction
The news of the charges against a co-owner of such a prominent local establishment has elicited a swift and widespread reaction from the community and the market. Distributors and other beer gardens have reportedly pulled Sycamore Brewing products from their shelves. Furthermore, major retailers, including Food Lion, Whole Foods, Publix, and Lowes, have ceased carrying Sycamore beer in response to the allegations. This immediate market response underscores the importance of public perception and trust for businesses, particularly those deeply integrated into the local community.
Community advocates have also voiced the importance of child safety and encouraged parents to engage in discussions with their children about staying safe online and in person. The collective reaction demonstrates a strong community stance on protecting vulnerable individuals and holding businesses and their leaders to high ethical standards. This response reflects the robust commitment of the Charlotte area to safeguarding its residents and reinforcing the principles of law and order.
Upholding Public Trust and Accountability
The legal proceedings involving Justin Tawse Brigham highlight the crucial role of the justice system in addressing serious criminal allegations and ensuring accountability. In any thriving community like Charlotte, the expectation for all individuals, including North Carolina entrepreneurs and business owners, is to operate within the bounds of the law and uphold societal norms. The commitment of law enforcement agencies, such as the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office, to thorough investigation and prosecution is fundamental to maintaining public order and safety.
For the broader Charlotte NC business community, this situation serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that accompany leadership and public visibility. Businesses are not just economic entities; they are integral parts of the social fabric, and their integrity is deeply intertwined with the actions of their leaders. The ongoing legal process will continue to unfold, guided by the principles of due process and the pursuit of justice, reinforcing the community’s trust in its legal institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What are the charges against Justin Tawse Brigham?
- Justin Tawse Brigham, 44, has been charged with first-degree burglary, statutory rape of a child by an adult, and indecent liberties with a child. Additional charges include three counts of statutory sex offense with a child younger than 15, second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, solicitation of a child by computer, and assault inflicting serious bodily injury. The assault charge does not involve the juvenile female.
- What is the name of the brewery company involved?
- Justin Tawse Brigham was identified as a co-owner of Sycamore Brewing, a Charlotte, North Carolina-area brewery company.
- Who made the arrest and where did the incident occur?
- The arrest was made by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office. The incident reportedly occurred on December 10, 2025, at a residence in Stanfield, Stanly County.
- What is the alleged age of the victim?
- The charges involve a 13-year-old girl.
- What was Sycamore Brewing’s response?
- Sycamore Brewing announced that Justin Tawse Brigham is divesting all of his interest and will have no further involvement with the company. His wife, Sarah Taylor, is taking full leadership. The brewery also temporarily closed its taproom starting January 5, 2026, for “processing, healing, and beginning the work of reimagining this community space.”
Key Details of the Charges and Responses
| Detail | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Accused Individual | Justin Tawse Brigham, 44 | Local |
| Former Role | Co-owner of Sycamore Brewing (Charlotte-area brewery company) | Local |
| Initial Charges | First-degree burglary, statutory rape of a child by an adult, and indecent liberties with a child | State-level |
| Additional Charges | Three counts of statutory sex offense with a child younger than 15, second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, solicitation of a child by computer, and assault inflicting serious bodily injury (not involving juvenile female) | State-level |
| Alleged Victim’s Age | 13-year-old girl | Local |
| Incident Location | Residence in Stanfield, Stanly County | Local |
| Arresting Agency | Stanly County Sheriff’s Office | Local |
| Bond Amount | Initially $10 million, later increased to $11.25 million | State-level |
| Sycamore Brewing’s Action | Justin Brigham divesting interest; temporary closure of taproom from January 5, 2026 | Local |
| Market Reaction | Distributors and major retailers (Food Lion, Whole Foods, Publix, Lowes) pulled products | State-level |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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