Owner of popular Charlotte brewery accused of breaking into home, raping 13-year-old girl
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WTVD) -- An owner of a popular brewery in Charlotte was arrested on rape charges.
Justin Brigham, 44, is the co-founder and owner of Sycamore Brewing in South End. Court documents show that he is accused of breaking into a Stanfield home Wednesday and raping a 13-year-old girl.
The Stanly County Sheriff's Office said the victim's parents found Brigham in the girl's bedroom. Deputies, upon arrival, found him undressed in a nearby vehicle, where he was arrested.
Brigham was charged with first-degree burglary, statutory rape of a child and indecent liberties with a child.
On Thursday, the sheriff's office executed a search warrant at Brigham's home in south Charlotte. ABC affiliate WSOC reported that Brigham and the victim talked for two weeks on a popular social media app. The victim looked like a minor and confirmed the girl's age during those conversations.
After his arrest, Brigham's wife and co-owner, Sarah Taylor, released a statement, saying she is devastated by the charges and the pain this has inflicted on their family and others. She confirmed that Brigham will no longer have any involvement in the company.
His first court appearance was Thursday, where his secured bond was set at $10 million. Brigham is being held at the Stanly County Detention Center.
This is an ongoing investigation.
The Stanly County Sheriff's Office encourages anyone with information related to this case or any other victim of a sexual assault please contact our Investigative Division at the Stanly County Sheriff's Office at 704-986-3714 or cid@stanlycountync.gov.
