Sycamore Brewing co-founder seeks divorce amid sex-crime allegations
Sarah Taylor says in court papers that she separated immediately after learning of her husband’s arrest
The following article appeared in the January 12, 2026, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
Sycamore co-founder files for divorce following husband’s arrest; cites ‘illicit sexual behavior,’ squandering or hiding of assets
Sycamore Brewing co-founder Sarah Taylor has filed for divorce from her husband, Justin Brigham, following his arrest last month on sex-crime charges that have imperiled the future of Charlotte’s largest brewery.
In a filing in Mecklenburg County District Court last week, Taylor says she “legally separated from Defendant immediately when she became aware of Defendant’s arrest and the horrific allegations against him.” The filing seeks an end to their 18-year marriage and asks for equitable distribution of marital property, post-separation support, alimony and child support, to provide for the couple’s 9-year-old daughter.
Rather than seeking a monthly payment for child support, Taylor says she wants a lump-sum payment since Brigham is “indefinitely incarcerated [and] indefinitely unemployed.” Brigham, who co-founded Sycamore Brewing with his wife, has been held in the Stanly County Jail since his Dec. 11 arrest. Since then, the company’s business has dried up after customers stayed away from its South End taproom, and grocers and convenience stores pulled Sycamore beer from shelves.
Taylor had previously said in public statements that she was taking steps to file for divorce. The filing confirms that. It also reiterates her statements that she has taken full control of the business and that Brigham plays no role in it.
The filing says the couple separated on Dec. 11, the day of Brigham’s arrest on charges of statutory rape, indecent liberties and related offenses involving a 13-year-old girl. Taylor’s filing also accuses Brigham, 44, of illicit sexual behavior, abandonment and “destruction, waste, diversion or concealment of assets,” without providing further details.
The court document provides no specifics on Sycamore’s or the couple’s finances. It says that during their marriage, Taylor, who is listed as a part-time Mecklenburg resident, was “substantially dependent” on Brigham for support, and that the couple “enjoyed and became accustomed to a high standard of living.”
Court documents say Taylor is being represented by Gena Morris of Charlotte law firm James, McElroy & Diehl.
Last week, the company filed documents with the state changing Sycamore’s name to Club West Brewing. —Tony Mecia
Related Ledger articles:
“The rapid fall of Sycamore Brewing” (Dec. 17)
“Data shows sharp Sycamore sales drop after co-founder’s arrest” (Jan. 5)
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