Jeremy Meeks, otherwise known as Dreamy McMugshot, Hot Mugshot Guy, and other names befitting a drop-dead gorgeous felon with thousands of admiring fans, is on his way not to the big modeling studios but to the big house.
U.S. Attorney spokesperson Mary Wenger says Meeks was sentenced to 27 months in prison on a count of possessing a firearm as a felon by U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley, who also ordered Meeks to complete 500 hours in a substance abuse treatment program while he is in custody.
The federal indictment says Meeks was convicted in 2002 on charges of grand theft in Solano County. Last year, he was arrested as part of a gang raid in Stockton, California on felony weapon charges, along with three other gang members who, unfortunately for them, didn't receive as much attention as Meeks.
As to where Meeks will be imprisoned, Nunley ordered that he be placed "as close to Stockton as possible," possibly at a facility in Mendota in Fresno County, so his adoring fans in the Central Valley area can stop worrying about traveling far to see their favorite felon behind bars. Anyone looking to woo the man when he steps out of the prison walls two years from now will have to take note, though. He probably won't be able to afford to take you out for a date as the judge said he couldn't afford to pay the $100 fine, which was waived.
The 30-year-old Meeks instantly became an overnight sensation when the Stockton police department posted his mugshot photo on its Facebook page, where thousands of admirers gushed over the felon for his icy-blue eyes, chiseled features, and full sensuous lips. As of midnight on Friday, Meeks' mugshot has gathered more than 101,000 likes, nearly 13,000 shares, and more than 26,000 comments from women (and men) who were more than willing to take the now twice convicted felon into their arms.
Meeks' instant fame had, in fact, been so overwhelming that two Hollywood agents, who said they could land Meeks modeling and entertainment gigs to the tune of $30,000 to $100,000, have agreed to sign him up. Alas, we won't be seeing the hot mugshot guy grazing the covers of fashion magazines in his brand new Calvin Klein underpants anytime soon.
As for what Meeks has to say about all the hullabaloo surrounding his mugshot, he said he had no idea until a reporter told him. In an interview with Sacramento local media last year, Meeks said he was a gang member. He no longer is.
"I appreciate that (popularity) but I just really want them to know that this is really not me," he said. "I'm not some kingpin."
