Sycamore Brewing, one of Charlotte’s most recognizable craft beer brands, is facing its biggest crisis yet after its now-former co-owner was arrested and charged with statutory rape and related offenses in Stanly County, North Carolina.
A Beloved Charlotte Brand in Sudden Turmoil
For years,
Sycamore Brewing has been a staple of Charlotte’s booming craft beer scene, known for its popular taproom, lively outdoor space, and distribution across the Carolinas. The brand helped anchor Charlotte’s identity as a destination for young professionals, beer tourism, and weekend events.
That image is now under intense scrutiny following criminal charges against one of the company’s founders.
The Charges Against the Former Co-Owner
Local TV reports from Charlotte detail that
44-year-old Justin Brigham, a co-founder and former co-owner of Sycamore Brewing, was arrested and charged with
statutory rape and
breaking and entering in Stanly County.
According to those reports:
- Brigham was taken into custody by authorities in Stanly County.
- Court records reviewed by reporters describe charges related to alleged unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
- Additional charges include breaking and entering tied to the same investigation.
Video reports show law enforcement and court documents confirming the statutory rape charge, with journalists describing the allegations as serious felony offenses under North Carolina law.
“Now-Former” Co-Owner: What That Signals
Newscasts and descriptions of the case repeatedly refer to Brigham as the
“now-former co-owner” of Sycamore Brewing. That wording is important:
- It strongly suggests Brigham is
no longer in an ownership or leadership role at the company.
- The separation appears to have occurred by the time the story became public, indicating either a resignation, removal, or sale/transfer of his stake.
While the broadcasts focus primarily on the criminal case rather than corporate restructuring, the consistent use of “former” indicates Sycamore is already trying to
distance the brand from Brigham as the case unfolds.
Community Reaction and Reputational Fallout
Although the video coverage centers on the arrest and court details, the implications for
Sycamore’s public image are hard to ignore:
- Sycamore is widely known in Charlotte; allegations tied to a founder inevitably affect
customer perception and
brand trust.
- Bars, retailers, and distributors watching the story may reassess partnerships depending on how the case – and the brewery’s response – develops.
- For many locals, Sycamore’s taproom has been a social hub. The news adds a layer of discomfort and debate over whether and how to continue supporting the brand.
At this stage, the coverage focuses more on the legal case than on any formal boycotts or commercial fallout, but
reputational damage is already in motion simply because of the severity of the charges.
What’s Next: Legal Process and Business Questions
As of the latest reports:
- Brigham will move through the
North Carolina criminal court system, where prosecutors will present evidence and the defense will respond.
- The case will likely involve pre-trial hearings, motions, and potentially a trial if no plea deal is reached.
- Sentencing exposure for statutory rape in North Carolina can be substantial if there is a conviction, depending on the specific statute and facts.
For
Sycamore Brewing, several big questions hang in the air:
- Will the company
issue more detailed public statements about governance changes and ownership?
- How will the brewery reassure employees, partners, and customers about its culture and leadership?
- Could the brand consider a
rebrand, sale, or change in corporate structure if the association becomes too toxic?
So far, TV coverage has concentrated on the arrest and charges, not on any long-form corporate response, suggesting the brewery may still be calibrating its crisis strategy.
Why This Story Matters Beyond One Brewery
This case touches several broader themes:
-
Accountability in founder-led brands: When a company’s identity is tightly tied to a small group of founders, personal misconduct can quickly become a business crisis.
-
Rapid reputational risk in the age of local TV and social media amplification: One arrest and a few televised court documents can reshape how a community sees a beloved brand overnight.
-
Pressure on craft beer’s “good vibes” image: The industry often sells a lifestyle of fun, community, and inclusivity. Serious criminal allegations against a founder clash hard with that narrative.
For now, Sycamore Brewing continues to operate, but the
long-term impact will depend on the outcome of the criminal case, the brewery’s transparency, and how the Charlotte community chooses to respond.
Sources
1. Former co-owner of Sycamore Brewing accused of statutory rape ...
2. New details shared about arrest of Sycamore Brewery co ... - YouTube
