Charlotte, February 14, 2026
Justin Tawse Brigham, a co-owner of the Charlotte-based Sycamore Brewing, has been charged with serious criminal offenses including statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl. The charges, which also include first-degree burglary and indecent liberties with a child, stem from an incident that took place on December 10, 2025. The legal ramifications are significant, as he faces potential lengthy prison sentences and lifetime registration as a sex offender. Sycamore Brewing, well-loved in the community, is now facing the implications of these allegations as the legal process unfolds.
Charlotte
News has recently emerged concerning Justin Tawse Brigham, a 44-year-old co-owner of the popular Charlotte-area establishment Sycamore Brewing, who faces severe criminal charges, including the statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl. The charges stem from an arrest on the evening of Wednesday, December 10, 2025, which was confirmed by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office.
Brigham has been formally charged with multiple serious offenses: first-degree burglary, statutory rape of a child by an adult, and indecent liberties with a child. The incident reportedly involved breaking into a home. The victim in the statutory rape charge is identified as a 13-year-old girl.
Legal Ramifications in North Carolina
The charges Brigham faces are all classified as felonies under North Carolina law, carrying significant penalties and long-lasting consequences. These offenses reflect the state’s stringent stance on crimes involving minors and home invasions.
Statutory Rape of a Child by an Adult (State-level)
In North Carolina, the law considers individuals under the age of 16 legally incapable of consenting to sexual activity, making any such act with an adult a crime, regardless of apparent willingness. For a victim under 13 years old, when the perpetrator is an adult, this offense is categorized as a Class B1 felony. A conviction for such a crime carries a mandatory minimum active punishment of 300 months (25 years) in prison and can extend to life imprisonment. Additionally, individuals convicted of this felony face lifetime registration as a sex offender.
First-Degree Burglary (State-level)
First-degree burglary in North Carolina is a Class D felony. This charge typically applies when a person unlawfully breaks into and enters the dwelling or sleeping apartment of another person at nighttime with the intent to commit a felony inside, and the dwelling is occupied at the time of the offense. A conviction for first-degree burglary can result in a prison sentence ranging from 38 to 204 months, depending on various factors, including the offender’s criminal history. Even for first-time offenders, a conviction for first-degree burglary mandates an active prison term.
Indecent Liberties with a Child (State-level)
The charge of indecent liberties with a child is designated as a Class F felony in North Carolina. This offense applies when an individual, who is at least 16 years old and at least five years older than the victim (who must be under 16), willfully takes or attempts to take any immoral, improper, or indecent liberties with the child for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire. Penalties for this Class F felony typically range from 10 to 59 months in prison, with the specific sentence influenced by the offender’s prior criminal record. A conviction also mandates registration as a sex offender for a minimum of 30 years, often for a lifetime.
Impact and Community Context
The severity of these felony charges in North Carolina extends beyond prison sentences. Convictions for sex-related offenses often lead to permanent consequences, including mandatory lifetime sex offender registration, which imposes significant restrictions on housing and employment. Such registrations are publicly accessible and can profoundly impact an individual’s life and reputation.
Sycamore Brewing, the company co-owned by Brigham, is a well-known establishment in Charlotte, North Carolina. Located in the vibrant South End neighborhood, it is recognized for its craft beer, expansive beer garden, and active community involvement. The brewery, established in 2013 by Justin and Sarah Brigham, has been a significant part of Charlotte’s craft beer scene, promoting local ingredients and fostering a community hub.
As legal proceedings move forward, these allegations underscore the serious nature of the criminal justice process in North Carolina and the profound implications for all parties involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been charged with statutory rape and other felonies?
Justin Tawse Brigham, a 44-year-old co-owner of Sycamore Brewing in Charlotte, North Carolina, 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.
What is the age of the victim in the statutory rape charge?
The victim in the statutory rape charge is a 13-year-old girl.
When and where was the arrest made?
The arrest occurred on the evening of Wednesday, December 10, 2025, and was confirmed by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.
What is the classification and typical penalty for statutory rape of a child by an adult in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, for a victim under 13 years old when the perpetrator is an adult, statutory rape of a child by an adult is a Class B1 felony, carrying a mandatory minimum active punishment of 300 months (25 years) up to life imprisonment and lifetime sex offender registration.
What is the classification and typical penalty for first-degree burglary in North Carolina?
First-degree burglary is a Class D felony in North Carolina, with a conviction potentially resulting in a prison sentence ranging from 38 to 204 months.
What is the classification and typical penalty for indecent liberties with a child in North Carolina?
Indecent liberties with a child is a Class F felony in North Carolina, with penalties typically ranging from 10 to 59 months in prison and mandatory sex offender registration for at least 30 years, often lifetime.
Key Features of Charges in North Carolina
| Charge | Classification (State-level) | Typical Penalties (State-level) | Key Implications (State-level) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statutory Rape of a Child by an Adult (Victim under 13) | Class B1 Felony | 144 to 483 months (12-40+ years) in prison; mandatory minimum 300 months (25 years) for victim under 13 by adult. | Lifetime sex offender registration; significant prison time. |
| First-Degree Burglary | Class D Felony | 38 to 204 months (approximately 3 to 17 years) in prison. | Mandates active prison term; felony record. |
| Indecent Liberties with a Child | Class F Felony | 10 to 59 months (approximately 10 months to 5 years) in prison. | Mandatory sex offender registration for at least 30 years, often lifetime. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Gastonia Wrestling Coach Arrested for Alleged Sexual Misconduct
Charlotte Grapples with Recent Brewery Fallout and Data Breach
Charlotte Brewery Co-Owner Charged with Serious Offenses in Stanfield
Sycamore Brewing Closes South End Taproom Amid Arrest Scandal
Sycamore Brewing’s Cotswold Village Expansion Terminated
Cleveland Man Held on $1 Million Bond for Child Sex Crimes
Charlotte Brewing Company Temporarily Shuts Doors Amid Serious Allegations
Brewery Co-Owner Arrested on Child Rape Charges in Charlotte
Former Brewery Co-Owner Faces New Felony Charges in Child Exploitation Case
Charlotte Brewery Co-Owner Faces New Child Assault 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.
