Sycamore Brewing Condemns Owner’s Alleged Actions in Child Rape Case
On social media Saturday night, Sycamore Brewing issued a statement condemning the alleged actions of its owner in a child rape case. The brewery described the acts as “horrifying,” “despicable,” and “unforgivable.”
“We are heartbroken for the victim,” brewery officials said. “No person should have to endure what she did. We realize that words cannot fix what has been done, but want everyone to know that our hearts are completely broken for her.”
Brewery co-founder Justin Tawse Brigham, 44, was charged Thursday with three felonies, including statutory rape of a child under 15, first-degree burglary, and indecent liberties with a child. The victim is 13 years old.
Brigham was in the Stanly County jail on $10 million bond.
Online Meeting Led to Alleged Crime
Brigham met his victim online for the first time two weeks ago, according to Stanly County Sheriff Jeff Crisco. “It’s our understanding that it’s a social media platform that’s common,” the sheriff said without naming the platform.
Brigham was arrested by the 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. Stanfield is 27 miles east of Charlotte.
Major Retailers Drop Sycamore Brewing
Following the charges, several major grocery store chains and bars in Charlotte and elsewhere in the state said they were dropping the brand in the aftermath of the charges.
In its unsigned statement, Sycamore Brewery acknowledged the community’s pain and anger over the charges.
“For our community, friends, family, neighbors – we realize that trust has been violated. We know you are angry. We are angry too,” the brewery stated.
“These are unforgivable actions,” the company added. “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.”
Co-Founder Addresses the Situation
Sarah Taylor, who co-founded the brewery with her husband, said on social media Thursday that she is “devastated” by the rape charge “and the pain this has inflicted on our family and others.”
She said she will assume “full leadership of the company,” effective immediately.
In its Saturday post, the company referred to Taylor’s earlier statement, saying it “came from a devastated wife and a mother trying to make sense of something unthinkable.” Taylor is trying to focus on “her duties to both a shattered household and a shattered community to bring both through this situation.”
Employees Continue Work Amid Chaos
Brewery workers remained at work “amidst the chaos and uncertainty,” Sycamore stated. “Endless people have been impacted by Justin’s actions.”
Sycamore Brewing will not assist in Brigham’s defense, according to the company, which said it hopes the legal system will hold Brigham accountable.
“This is about doing right by all of those who have been affected by this – first and foremost, by the victim and her family,” the company stated. “But, also by Sarah and her daughter and by the innocent people whose livelihoods depend on Sycamore.”
High Bond Set to Protect Community
The judge Thursday 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.