On this day, Dec. 23, in 1959, musician Chuck Berry was arrested on charges of violating the Mann Act, which prohibits transporting a woman across state lines for “immoral purposes.” He had brought a 14-year-old girl to St. Louis to work at his club. Berry contended that he brought the girl to Missouri for legitimate employment purposes.
The Mann Act, passed by Congress in 1910, was primarily aimed at curbing organized prostitution.
Berry was convicted at a 1960 trial and was sentenced to five years in prison.
He appealed, arguing that the judge made racist comments against him, and received a new trial. Berry was again convicted, and ultimately served 20 months in prison.
Emily Babay
