Charlotte Grapples with Recent Brewery Fallout and Data Breach

Charlotte, January 14, 2026

Charlotte is currently facing a tumultuous period marked by significant events, including the fallout from a local brewery’s co-founder arrest and a major data breach impacting over a million telecom customers. Public safety incidents, such as shootings and a COVID-19 relief fraud sentencing, further complicate the city’s dynamics. With community resilience on display, local authorities continue to address these challenges strategically, highlighting the evolving landscape in the Queen City.

Charlotte

Charlotte Grapples with Recent Significant Events, Including Brewery Fallout and Data Breach

Charlotte has experienced a dynamic and challenging period, with several significant events unfolding in the last few weeks and days. Among the most prominent are the ongoing repercussions for a popular local brewery following a co-founder’s arrest, a major data breach potentially affecting over a million telecom customers, a fatal shooting at a regional plant, and the sentencing of a local individual for COVID-19 relief fund fraud. These incidents, alongside other public safety and community developments, underscore a busy start to the year for the Queen City and its surrounding areas.

Sycamore Brewing Faces Major Changes After Co-founder’s Arrest

Sycamore Brewing, a well-known local establishment, has been at the center of recent scrutiny following the arrest of its former co-owner, Justin Brigham. Brigham was arrested in December 2025 on serious charges, including statutory rape of a child. This development led to substantial public backlash and business ramifications for the brewery.

In response to the fallout, Sarah Taylor, Sycamore Brewing’s co-founder and Brigham’s wife, announced on December 30, 2025, that the brewery would temporarily close its South End taproom starting January 5, 2026. The closure was intended to provide space for “processing, healing, and beginning the work of reimagining this community space.” Taylor also revealed that she had assumed full ownership of the company.

Further significant developments emerged on January 12, 2026, when Sarah Taylor filed for divorce from Justin Brigham. The filing reportedly cited reasons such as “illicit sexual behavior” and allegations of squandering or hiding assets. In a related business impact, plans for a second Sycamore Brewing taproom and beer garden in Cotswold Village were terminated on January 5, 2026. Additionally, Sycamore Brewing has filed with the state to change its name to Club West Brewing, signaling a significant rebranding effort amidst the controversy.

Public Safety Concerns Addressed Amidst Recent Violent Incidents

Public safety remains a key focus in Charlotte and its adjacent communities, with several serious incidents demanding attention. On January 13, 2026, an employee at a liver mush plant in Rutherford County, part of the wider Charlotte region, was shot in the chest. The suspect, 37-year-old Donta Laney, has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, and the victim remains hospitalized.

Charlotte also recorded its first homicide of 2026 on January 5, when 24-year-old Kishmere Wright was fatally shot on Carol Avenue. This incident quickly initiated a homicide investigation by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Just days later, on January 10, 2026, detectives launched another death investigation following a fatality on Oakdale Road in the North Division. This was followed by a homicide investigation in the Westover Division on January 11, 2026, after 20-year-old Trevohn Maleek Marshall died from a gunshot wound following an incident on Vail Road, which also left two other individuals injured.

Looking back slightly further, Charlotte experienced another tragic event on the early morning of December 15, 2025, when a person died following a shooting at a day care facility. Police identified the victim as 44-year-old Albert Lowry, who was reportedly shot multiple times after confronting individuals allegedly attempting to steal a catalytic converter. Two men, Wethon Shantra M and Borne Geim, were subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Lowry’s death. Authorities had appealed for public assistance, providing a tip line for information.

A separate, notable violent incident occurred on August 21, 2024, when a woman was murdered with a hammer at a QuikTrip Gas Station in Charlotte. A man was accused in connection with this brutal homicide, which also garnered significant community attention and police response at the time. [cite: 4 (original prompt snippet)]

Key Developments in Technology, Public Health, and Governance

Beyond public safety, Charlotte has seen other significant news. On January 13, 2026, a Charlotte-based broadband and telecom company, Brightspeed, confirmed it is investigating reports of a major data breach. Claims by a group named “Crimson Collective” suggest over one million customers may have had their personal information compromised, including names, emails, phone numbers, addresses, and payment details.

In legal news, a Charlotte father of three, Shawn O’Donnell, was sentenced on January 14, 2026, to 10 months of house arrest and two years of probation. O’Donnell faced charges for misusing more than $200,000 in pandemic relief funds, which he reportedly spent on a beach house vacation, a Jeep Wrangler, and his children’s sports fees.

On the academic front, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte officially launched its new National Defense and Intelligence Innovation Institute (NDI3) on January 13, 2026. This multidisciplinary institute aims to accelerate mission-driven research, technology transition, and workforce development in support of the U.S. military and national security partners.

Public health officials in Mecklenburg County reported on January 13, 2026, that the measles virus has been detected in local wastewater, indicating its circulation in the region. While no local cases have been officially reported, health leaders are strongly advising residents to ensure their measles vaccinations are up to date.

Furthermore, a significant development at the state level impacting many Charlotte residents was announced on January 14, 2026: a special program successfully erased medical debt for 2.5 million North Carolina residents, remarkably without costing the state any funds.

In local governance, the Charlotte City Council approved $4.3 million on January 13, 2026, to help operationalize the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority. This funding aims to enhance public transit services across the city.

Community Resilience and Forward Movement

These diverse events highlight both ongoing challenges and forward momentum within Charlotte. From navigating complex legal issues and public safety concerns to making strides in technological innovation and public health, the city and its residents continue to demonstrate resilience. Authorities remain committed to addressing these issues through diligent investigations, community engagement, and strategic planning, all contributing to the city’s evolving landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the latest developments regarding Sycamore Brewing?

Sycamore Brewing’s former co-owner, Justin Brigham, was arrested in December 2025. Following this, the brewery temporarily closed its South End taproom starting January 5, 2026. Additionally, co-founder Sarah Taylor filed for divorce on January 12, 2026, and the brewery plans to change its name to Club West Brewing.

Was there a recent data breach affecting Charlotte telecom users?

Yes, on January 13, 2026, Brightspeed, a Charlotte-based broadband and telecom company, confirmed it is investigating reports of a major data breach that may have affected over one million customers.

What happened at a liver mush plant in the Charlotte region on January 13, 2026?

On January 13, 2026, an employee at a liver mush plant in Rutherford County was shot in the chest. A suspect, 37-year-old Donta Laney, was charged with attempted first-degree murder.

What was the first homicide reported in Charlotte for 2026?

Charlotte’s first homicide of 2026 occurred on January 5, when 24-year-old Kishmere Wright was fatally shot on Carol Avenue.

When did the fatal shooting at the Charlotte day care occur and who was involved?

The fatal shooting at a day care facility occurred on the early morning of December 15, 2025. The victim was identified as 44-year-old Albert Lowry, and two men, Wethon Shantra M and Borne Geim, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

Has measles been detected in Charlotte?

On January 13, 2026, Mecklenburg County public health officials reported that the measles virus has been detected in local wastewater.

Did North Carolina have a program to erase medical debt recently?

Yes, on January 14, 2026, it was announced that a special program successfully erased medical debt for 2.5 million North Carolina residents, without costing the state any funds.

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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.