Sycamore Brewing co-owner accused of breaking into Stanly County home, raping girl
The co-owner of Sycamore Brewing in Charlotte was accused of breaking into a home in Stanly County and raping a 13-year-old girl on Wednesday, according to court records.
Justin Tawse Brigham, 44, was charged with three felonies, including statutory rape of a child under 15, first-degree burglary, and indecent liberties with a child.
Brigham, who is listed as the brewery’s co-owner in state business records, was arrested by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, according to an arrest warrant.
The warrant said Brigham was accused of breaking into a Stanfield house and raping the girl while others were home.
Judge Tou Thai Vang set Brigham’s bond at $10 million.
The judge ordered that Brigham surrender his passport, banned him from leaving the state, ordered him not to have contact with the victim, and ordered him to not be on any social media platform, court records said.
Judge: High bond intended ‘to protect the community’
The judge said Brigham “does not have a significant criminal history, traffic offenses and a shoplifting charge that the D.A. dismissed without leave,” according to court documents.
“However, the court finds that the facts alleged are so egregious, that the defendant went to the victim’s home in the middle of the night, and the age of the victim, the court is setting this bond to protect the community.”
Brigham’s next appearance in Stanly County Criminal District Court is scheduled for 9 a.m., Dec. 29, court records show.
Sarah Taylor, Brigham’s wife and the other owner of Sycamore Brewing, said in a statement Thursday that Brigham divested all interest in the company and will not have future involvement. Taylor said she assumed full leadership of the company.
“I am devastated by the charges against Justin and the pain this has inflicted on our family and others,” Taylor’s statement on social media said. “Our team remains my highest priority as a Mom and business owner.”
Staff writer Joe Marusak contributed.
This story was originally published December 11, 2025 at 1:06 PM.
