Sycamore Brewing Temporarily Closes for Healing and Reimagining Amid Former Co-Owner's Arrest

Sycamore Brewing Temporarily Closes for Healing and Reimagining Amid Former Co-Owner's Arrest

Sycamore Brewing, a well-known brewery in Charlotte's South End, has announced a temporary closure following the arrest of its former co-owner for statutory rape of a child. The brewery will shut down on Jan. 5 to allow for processing, healing, and the reimagining of the community space. Plans for reopening will be disclosed at a later time.

Justin Brigham, the 44-year-old former co-owner, was apprehended on Dec. 10 after being discovered in the bedroom of a 13-year-old girl in Stanly County. He allegedly met the teenager through Snapchat, broke into her home, and committed the crime. Brigham faces multiple charges, including statutory sex offense, sexual exploitation of a minor, soliciting a child by computer, and assault inflicting serious bodily injury.

Following Brigham's arrest, several businesses cut ties with Sycamore Brewing. The brewery's owner, Sarah Taylor, has taken full ownership of the company and removed Brigham from any involvement in the business operations. Taylor expressed her commitment to safeguarding the establishment and rebuilding its future, while also initiating divorce proceedings in light of the situation.

The case against Brigham has been submitted to the grand jury for indictment, with a court appearance scheduled for Jan. 26. The brewery's closure aims to provide space for reflection and transformation, as the community grapples with the aftermath of the disturbing incident.