Sycamore Brewing cans and pints are being pulled from grocery stores and bars across the state of North Carolina after its former co-owner was arrested and charged with the statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl.
Justin Brigham, 44, was arrested on Dec. 11 by Stanly County deputies. Court records state that Brigham broke into the home of a 13-year-old girl on Dec. 10 and raped her.
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Brigham also faces additional charges, including three counts of statutory sex offense against a child under 15 years old, second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, soliciting a child by computer, and assault inflicting serious bodily injury.
The popular Charlotte, NC, brewing company started in 2013, founded by Brigham and his wife, Sarah Taylor.
Since his arrest, venues that sell Sycamore Brewing products have come out in mass condemning both Brigham’s actions and the brewery.
NBC affiliate WCNC in Charlotte, NC, reached out to Lowe’s, Publix and Food Lion, major grocery stores in the area. All three confirmed they will no longer carry the brewery’s product in the future.
Meanwhile, in the Triangle, My Way Tavern, which has locations in Raleigh, Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina, said in a post on Facebook, it will be pulling all Sycamore Brewing products from its shelves.
“We believe in using our platform to stand with our community and support organizations doing vital work,” My Way Tavern said in the post.
The remaining cans and pints at My Way Tavern will be sold for $3 and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to InterAct of Wake County. InterAct provides resources to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Since her husband’s arrest, both Sarah Taylor and Sycamore Brewing have released statements regarding the future of the company.
On Monday, Taylor officially filed with the state of North Carolina, removing Brigham’s name from the list of company officials.
“These charges are horrifying and Justin’s acts are despicable,” the company said in a statement.
“Sarah is navigating an unknown path, trying to find footing as a mother and as the owner of a business with deep ties to our community. Amid the shock and devastation, she is focusing on her duties to both a shattered household and a shattered community to bring both through this situation.”
Sycamore Brewing added that it will not assist in Brigham’s defense and trusts the legal system will hold him fully accountable.
“This is about doing right by all those who have been affected by this – first and foremost, by the victim and her family. But, also by Sarah and her daughter, and by the innocent people whose livelihoods depend on Sycamore.”