Jeremy Meeks, a former criminal known for his viral mugshot, has revealed the harsh reality behind his story. Meeks, once associated with the North Side Gangster Crips in Washington State, gained widespread attention in 2014 when his mugshot became famous. Initially facing charges of robbery and assault at 18, Meeks accepted a plea deal resulting in a two-year sentence, though he ended up serving nine years.

In 2014, Meeks faced new charges for firearm possession and resisting arrest, leading to a two-year jail term before his release in 2016. This arrest catapulted him to fame after the police posted his mugshot on Facebook, earning him the title of “world’s hottest felon.”

Following his release, Meeks transitioned into a career as a fashion model, which he continues to pursue at the age of 42. He has shown signs of reform by writing a memoir titled Model Citizen: The Autobiography of Jeremy Meeks and engaging in charitable activities to guide youth away from crime and gangs.

In a recent interview on the Inside True Crime podcast, Meeks shared the overwhelming response he received after his mugshot went viral, receiving hundreds of letters daily from around the world. While initially unfamiliar with social media, he soon realized its impact as his image circulated on TV, leading to unsolicited photos and monetary gifts.

Despite the positive attention, Meeks faced challenges, alleging mistreatment by correctional officers post-fame. He described chaotic courtroom experiences with excessive media presence and claimed to have been physically abused by the officers. However, he mentioned having no issues with other inmates during his time behind bars.

Meeks also expressed frustration over unwanted visitors during his incarceration, lamenting the intrusion on precious family time.