Jeremy Meeks: From Viral Mugshot to Model Citizen

One viral mugshot transformed Jeremy Meeks from an unknown forklift operator into a global sensation. Dubbed the “world’s hottest felon,” he has since become a model, actor, entrepreneur, and author, with an estimated net worth of $5 million. His journey is one of the internet’s most unlikely success stories.

It all began in 2014 when the Stockton Police Department posted his booking photo on Facebook following an arrest on felony weapon charges. The photo went viral—his piercing blue eyes and striking features capturing worldwide attention within hours, eclipsing any other post the department had made.

Born on February 7, 1984, Meeks grew up in a turbulent home. Both parents struggled with addiction, and violence marked his early years. By age 18, he faced his first felony conviction for car theft. His 2014 arrest led to a 27-month sentence—but also opened the door to an unexpected path to fame.

After his release in 2016, Meeks signed with White Cross Management and began modeling for major brands like Philipp Plein and Tommy Hilfiger. He soon transitioned into acting, appearing in films such as True to the Game, Trigger, and Secret Society. Alongside acting, he launched his own fashion line and secured a major deal with Fashion Concept GmbH.

Now 41, Meeks added “author” to his résumé with his 2024 memoir, Model Citizen: The Autobiography of Jeremy Meeks, a candid account of his journey from incarceration to international runways.

“I’m in a place where I want to tell my story—the whole story—and hope people can connect to it,” Meeks told reporters.

A devoted father of two sons, Meeks says his focus today is personal growth and fatherhood.

From a jail photo to Paris Fashion Week, Jeremy Meeks turned infamy into reinvention—proving that second chances can redefine everything.