New charges accuse former Sycamore owner of injuring man by grabbing his genitals

More criminal charges were filed in court Monday against Justin Brigham, the former Sycamore Brewing co-owner who was arrested Dec. 11 on allegations of statutory rape involving a 13-year-old.

He already faced three felonies and was being held in the Stanly County jail. On Monday, sheriff’s office investigators filed six more felony charges.

A warrant Monday charging the 44-year-old with felony assault inflicting serious bodily injury alleges that he assaulted a man on Dec. 10 by grabbing and twisting the man’s genitals, causing extreme pain.

Five other felonies filed Monday related to allegations of sexual crimes with a minor, including three additional felony counts of statutory sexual offense with a child.

Bond was not allowed.

Brigham met his victim online for the first time two weeks ago, Stanly County Sheriff Jeff Crisco said at a news conference Friday. Court records accuse him of using Snapchat and text messages to communicate. He is accused of breaking into a home in Stanly County on Dec. 10.

Brigham’s arrest sparked a backlash against Sycamore from grocery chains and bars dropping their products. Sarah Taylor, Brigham’s wife and the other co-owner, said she has taken over the company and is devastated.

“For our community, friends, family, neighbors — we realize that trust has been violated. We know you are angry. We are angry too,” the brewery said in a statement over the weekend. “Justin made horrible decisions, and now he must deal with the consequences.

“We hope that justice is rapid and allows for the victim and her family to begin the healing process.”

This story was originally published December 15, 2025 at 7:57 PM.