STANLY COUNTY, N.C. – A court hearing for Justin Tawse Brigham, the former owner of Charlotte’s Sycamore Brewing, was postponed on Monday, nearly three weeks after he was charged with the rape of a 13-year-old girl. The 44-year-old allegedly entered a Stanly County home on December 10, where the incident took place, and was later found nearby, unclothed in a car.
Brigham reportedly had met the girl weeks prior and had been communicating with her through Snapchat. Following his arrest, the charges against him quickly accumulated. Initially, he faced charges of statutory rape of a child, indecent liberties with a child, and first-degree burglary. Soon after, additional charges were added, including three counts of statutory sexual offense with a child, second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, and soliciting a minor via a computer. He also faces an assault charge linked to the same incident, although it does not involve the girl.
Brigham’s court appearance was scheduled for December 29, but the case has now been set for January 26, 2026. His bond remains unchanged at $11.25 million, and he is currently being held in the Stanly County jail.
In the wake of Brigham’s arrest, his wife has taken sole ownership of Sycamore Brewing, which has publicly condemned his alleged actions and confirmed that the brewery will not assist with his legal defense. Despite attempts to distance the business from Brigham, many grocery stores and bars have opted to remove Sycamore’s products from their shelves, and the brewery’s taproom at Charlotte Douglas International Airport is expected to close. A pop-up market set to showcase local businesses outside the Sycamore Brewing location in Charlotte’s South End was also canceled due to the allegations against Brigham.
This troubling incident highlights the serious issues surrounding the protection of minors online and the implications of alleged criminal behavior on personal and business reputations. The legal proceedings will unfold as the community watches closely, hoping for justice for the victim involved.