Justin Tawse Brigham, 44, a co-founder and former co-owner of Sycamore Brewing, has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after authorities say he broke into a home in Stanfield, North Carolina, and sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl according to The Independent

Shortly before midnight on Wednesday, Dec. 10, Deputies from the Stanly County Sheriff’s Department responded to a distress call after the girl’s parents discovered an unknown adult male inside their daughter’s bedroom. When law enforcement arrived, they found Brigham naked in a vehicle near the residence and took him into custody.

Brigham has been charged with first-degree burglary, statutory rape of a child by an adult, and indecent liberties with a child. Court records show his bond was set at $10 million, and he is being held in the Stanly County Detention Center as the investigation continues.

Allegations and Investigation

Sheriff’s officials say Brigham and the victim first made contact about two weeks before the incident through a social media app, and the girl informed him of her age during their conversations.

According to WBTV investigators have executed a search warrant at Brigham’s residence in south Charlotte as part of the ongoing probe.

Authorities have warned that additional charges could be forthcoming as they review electronic devices and related evidence.

Response From Sycamore Brewing

In the aftermath of Brigham’s arrest, his wife and Sycamore Brewing co-founder, Sarah Taylor, issued a public statement via Instagram…

“To our employees, customers, and partners,

I am devastated by the charges against Justin and the pain this has inflicted on our family and others.

Effective immediately, I am assuming full leadership of the company.

Justin is divesting all of his interest and will have no further involvement.

Our team remains my highest priority as a Mom and a business owner.”

– Sarah Taylor

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Founded by husband and wife team Sarah Taylor (Brigham) and Justin Brigham in 2013, Sycamore Brewing has grown into one of Charlotte’s most prominent craft breweries, known for its flagship South End taproom and widespread distribution.

Sycamore Brewing’s physical taproom remains open and operational under the sole leadership of co-founder Sarah Taylor. However, the business is facing significant fallout, with major retailers and numerous other businesses pulling its product according to WFAE.

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