Sycamore Brewing Co-Owner Arrested on Child Rape Charges

The Charlotte craft beer community was rocked Thursday morning when Justin Brigham, 44-year-old co-owner of the popular Sycamore Brewing, was arrested by Stanly County deputies and charged with multiple felonies, including statutory rape of a child, first-degree burglary, and indecent liberties with a child.

The arrest has sent shockwaves through North Carolina's tight-knit brewing industry and raised serious questions about one of Charlotte's most recognizable craft beer brands.

The Charges Against Justin Brigham

According to court records obtained by WRAL News, Brigham allegedly broke into the home of a 13-year-old girl on December 10 and raped her. The severity of the accusations is reflected in the bond amount set by the court.

Multiple news outlets report that Brigham is being held on a $10 million bond, an unusually high amount that underscores the gravity of the charges he faces. He made his initial court appearance Thursday morning in Stanly County, with his next scheduled court date set for December 29.

The charges filed against Brigham include:

• Statutory rape of a child
• First-degree burglary
• Indecent liberties with a child

These are all felony charges that carry significant prison sentences if convicted. First-degree burglary alone is a Class D felony in North Carolina, while statutory rape charges involving a victim under 13 years old are among the most serious offenses in the state's criminal code.

About Sycamore Brewing

Sycamore Brewing has been a fixture in Charlotte's South End neighborhood since its founding, becoming one of the city's most popular craft breweries. The company has built a reputation for quality beer and community engagement, making Thursday's news all the more shocking to longtime patrons and industry observers.

The brewery has expanded significantly over the years, establishing itself as a cornerstone of Charlotte's thriving craft beer scene. The business operates multiple locations and has become a gathering place for locals and tourists alike, hosting events and serving as a social hub in the Queen City.

Community Response and Business Implications

As news of Brigham's arrest spread Thursday afternoon, the Charlotte community began grappling with the implications. Craft breweries often pride themselves on being community-oriented businesses, making allegations of this nature particularly devastating for employees, business partners, and loyal customers.

The $10 million bond amount suggests that authorities view Brigham as either a significant flight risk or a potential danger to the community. Such high bonds are typically reserved for the most serious criminal cases, particularly those involving violent crimes or crimes against children.

What This Means for Sycamore Brewing

The immediate impact on Sycamore Brewing's operations remains unclear. As a co-owner, Brigham's legal troubles will undoubtedly affect the business, though the extent depends on several factors including:

• The ownership structure and whether other partners can maintain operations
• Public perception and customer response to the charges
• Potential civil liability concerns
• Banking and distribution relationships

Other craft breweries have faced similar crises when ownership or leadership figures were accused of serious crimes. In some cases, remaining partners have bought out accused owners and rebranded. In others, businesses have closed entirely under the weight of negative publicity and lost revenue.

The Legal Process Ahead

Brigham's December 29 court date will likely be a preliminary hearing where prosecutors will present evidence supporting probable cause for the charges. Given the serious nature of the allegations, the case will almost certainly be presented to a grand jury for indictment.

If indicted and the case proceeds to trial, Brigham faces potentially decades in prison if convicted on all charges. North Carolina law provides for mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses involving children, and the combination of burglary with sexual assault charges creates an especially serious legal situation.

Presumption of Innocence

It's important to note that Brigham, like all defendants, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The charges filed represent allegations that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt by prosecutors. Defense attorneys will have the opportunity to challenge the evidence and present alternative narratives.

However, the specificity of the charges and the high bond amount suggest that law enforcement and prosecutors believe they have substantial evidence to support the allegations.

Impact on Charlotte's Brewing Community

Charlotte has emerged as one of the Southeast's premier craft beer destinations over the past decade, with dozens of breweries calling the city home. Sycamore Brewing has been part of that growth story, and the allegations against Brigham cast a shadow over the entire industry locally.

Industry observers note that craft brewing communities tend to be close-knit, with owners and operators knowing each other well. The arrest of such a prominent figure will likely prompt difficult conversations throughout the local brewing scene about accountability, due diligence, and community safety.

Moving Forward

As this case develops, several key questions remain unanswered:

• Will Brigham's co-owners release a statement addressing the situation?
• What steps will Sycamore Brewing take to address the crisis?
• How will the business continue to operate during the legal proceedings?
• What additional evidence might emerge as the investigation continues?

For the alleged victim and their family, the legal process is just beginning. Child sexual assault cases are among the most difficult for victims and their families to navigate, requiring support from law enforcement, social services, and the broader community.

Conclusion

The arrest of Justin Brigham on charges of statutory rape, burglary, and indecent liberties with a child represents a devastating development for all involved—most importantly for the alleged victim. The $10 million bond and the severity of the charges indicate that authorities are treating this case with the utmost seriousness.

For Sycamore Brewing, the path forward is uncertain. The business that Brigham helped build now faces an existential crisis that will test the resilience of its brand, the loyalty of its customers, and the dedication of its employees and remaining ownership.

As the legal process unfolds over the coming months, the Charlotte community will be watching closely. The case serves as a stark reminder that serious crimes can involve anyone, regardless of their public standing or business success. Most critically, it underscores the importance of protecting children and holding accountable those accused of harming them.

The next court date is scheduled for December 29, and additional information is expected to emerge as prosecutors build their case and defense attorneys prepare their response.