Brewery Owner Accused of Breaking into Home and Raping 13-Year-Old Girl
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In a shocking turn of events, a brewery owner in North Carolina has been arrested for allegedly breaking into a home and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. Justin Tawse Brigham, aged 44, was apprehended by authorities on the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 10, as confirmed by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office in a statement shared on social media. The charges brought against Brigham include first-degree burglary, statutory rape of a child by an adult, and indecent liberties with a child.
During his first court appearance in Stanly County on Thursday, Dec. 11, Brigham’s secure bond was set at a staggering $10 million. He is currently being held at the Stanly County Detention Center, according to jail records accessed by PEOPLE. This distressing incident unfolded when police responded to a residential home following the discovery of an unknown adult male, identified as Brigham, in the 13-year-old’s room. Subsequently, the assailant was found completely undressed in a vehicle near the victim’s residence post the alleged assault.
Apart from being an accused perpetrator, Brigham held the position of co-owner at Sycamore Brewing, a well-known establishment in Charlotte, N.C., in partnership with his wife, Sarah Taylor. In response to the troubling allegations, Taylor announced Brigham’s immediate withdrawal from all company operations on Thursday. Expressing her dismay on Sycamore Brewing’s Instagram page, she conveyed, “To our employees, customers, and partners, I am devastated by the charges against Justin and the pain this has inflicted on our family and others.” She assured that she would be assuming full management of the company and that Brigham would have no further involvement.
In a bid for accountability and support for survivors of such heinous crimes, Wilmington beer garden Freya’s Haus decided to remove all Sycamore Brewing products from its shelves and donate all proceeds from remaining sales to a local rape crisis center. This stand against sexual abuse underscores the importance of community solidarity and compassion in the face of such traumatic events.
This disturbing episode serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of young individuals and the importance of swift justice in cases of sexual assault. As the legal proceedings continue, it is crucial for communities to come together to support the victim and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. Such acts of violence have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the immediate individuals involved but also the wider community at large.
In conclusion, while the details of this case are deeply distressing, it is heartening to see swift action being taken by both law enforcement and the community to address the situation. By standing together against such atrocities, we can work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for all, particularly for those who have experienced the trauma of sexual abuse. Let this be a reminder to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the well-being of our communities, especially the most vulnerable among us.