Former Sycamore Brewing Co-Owner Justin Brigham Charged with Burglary and Rape of 13-Year-Old

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Justin Tawse Brigham, a former co-owner of the popular Charlotte-based craft brewery Sycamore Brewing, has been arrested and charged with first-degree burglary and the statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl.

According to warrants and reports released by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the incident took place in mid-December 2025. Investigators allege that Brigham broke into the residence of the teenage victim and committed the assault. The arrest was executed on December 11, 2025, following a detailed investigation by CMPD's youth crimes detectives.

Sycamore Brewing, a well-known brand in the region's beverage industry, quickly distanced itself from Brigham. The brewery released a public statement clarifying that Brigham was a former co-owner and had not been active in the day-to-day operations or management of the business for some time. The company expressed deep distress over the nature of the allegations and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing police investigation.

Brigham is currently being held in custody as the case moves forward in the Mecklenburg County court system. He faces severe felony charges that carry substantial prison sentences if convicted. Legal representatives for Brigham have not yet issued a detailed public statement regarding the defense's position.