STANLY COUNTY, N.C. — Sycamore Brewing’s co-owner Justin Brigham remains jailed on a $10 million bond as investigators in Stanly County warned on Friday that more charges could be coming in a child rape case that has sparked statewide backlash and led grocery stores to pull the brewery’s products.
Stanly County sheriff’s investigators seized his electronic devices to see if he has talked to or visited anyone else. The Stanly County Sheriff’s Office calls this case extremely troubling and is warning parents to monitor their kids’ social media.
Sycamore Brewing’s soon-to-be former co-owner Brigham, remains behind bars on a $10 million bond.
The Stanly County Sheriff’s Office says two weeks ago he started chatting with a 13-year-old girl he met on a common social media app.
Brigham is accused of raping that 13-year-old girl inside her Stanfield home.
“It is a horrific crime,” Sheriff Jeff Crisco said.
The 911 call said parents found Brigham inside their daughter’s room. After that, deputies found him naked and in a nearby car when they arrested him.
“He could go to prison for a very long time,” Crisco said.
‘Stay away from the brewery’
Sycamore is Charlotte’s largest brewery and one of the city’s most popular nightlife spots.
The backlash to the arrest has been swift. Several major retailers, including Food Lion, Whole Foods, Publix, and Lowes, have stopped carrying Sycamore’s beer in response to the allegations.
The brewery’s taproom was also notably empty this afternoon, with few patrons inside and vacant tables outside.
“By going there and supporting the business and supporting profits to that owner, possibly it says that maybe you’re ok with what happened,” said Erin McCall, a customer who decided to stay away from the brewery.
“I walk by here probably 3 or 4 times a day. Normally, on a Friday, there would be people everywhere. So it’s definitely very noticeable,” said Austin Dacier, a regular customer.
The company employs over 100 people, and some customers expressed concern for the workers who had no part in the alleged crime.
“I guess from that perspective, that’s pretty unfair because they had no part in it,” said Erin McCall, acknowledging the impact on employees.
Joshua Tankersley, another customer, commented, “I’m sure a lot of workers knew the guy, yeah if I was working there I wouldn’t come in either.”
The allegations against Justin Brigham have shocked the community, with Natalie Harris stating, “I think it’s been a shock to everyone and it’s just so awful for that girl and her family.”
Sarah Taylor, the other co-owner and Brigham’s wife, announced on Instagram that she is assuming full leadership of the company and that Justin Brigham is divesting all of his interests and will have no further involvement.
Crisco says there is no indication Sycamore or Brigham’s wife knew about any of it.
However, they are investigating to see if there are more victims and encouraging parents to keep an eye on their kids’ social media.
“This should be a huge eye-opening experience,” said Crisco. “Parents need to pay attention to their kids.”
“Really, just a common-sense open line of communication, we always encourage that with parents and kids,” said Sgt. Karcin Vick-Dunn, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff says Brigham knew she was 13 and that she looks 13.
They are asking people to give the girl and her family privacy.
VIDEO: Charlotte brewery owner accused of breaking into home, raping child
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