Remember The 'Hot Felon' Whose Photos Went Viral In 2014? Here’s How His Life Turned Out…

In 2014, these photos went viral all over the world. They featured a criminal arrested on multiple charges, but instead of criticism, people were captivated by his striking appearance. With sharp cheekbones, piercing blue eyes, and teardrop tattoos, the media quickly nicknamed him the "Hot Felon." From that moment, his life changed completely. Where is he now, and is he still famous? Watch the full video to find out. Don’t forget to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and hit the bell icon to get notified as I upload a new video. Let’s go on. The last thing any celebrity wants is to have their mug shots spread all over social media. It's embarrassing and scandalous. But for Jeremy Meeks, it became his ticket to fame. However, before all the attention, Jeremy had a tough and troubled past. Born on February 7, 1984, in Tacoma, Washington, he grew up in a troubled family. When Jeremy was just nine months old, his father stabbed his mother’s best friend and was sent to prison, so he was never really part of Jeremy’s life. His mother was also problematic and went in and out of jail several times, leaving Jeremy to be raised by his older sister, Leanna, from the age of 12. Jeremy's older half-brother also had a criminal record for robbery, and his half-sister had problems with the law because of minor thefts and cannabis possession. With this environment, it seemed there was no way out for Jeremy but a life of crime. At 12, he moved from Washington to Los Angeles, where he quickly became involved in street gangs. By the time he was 15, he had left home and was living on the streets, which only worsened his situation. In 2002, he was charged with robbery and violently assaulting a 16-year-old boy. He spent over a decade behind bars during his youth, and that experience was terrible. Despite his criminal past, one particular arrest would change Jeremy’s life forever. Unlike his previous arrests, this one led to something positive. In 2014, Jeremy was arrested on felony weapon charges for gun possession and resisting arrest. The Stockton Police Department posted mugshots of the men arrested on their Facebook page, as they usually did. But what happened next was completely unexpected. The photo of Jeremy went viral on social media, quickly gaining thousands of likes, shares, and comments. His mugshot appeared in magazines and on TV shows, and he became an internet sensation overnight. Women all over the world went crazy for him, and soon he was known as ‘The Hot Felon.’ As a result, Jeremy started receiving over 300 letters a day, with some fans even sending money hidden in books. He also began getting hundreds of modeling offers from agencies. A judge ultimately sentenced him to only 27 months in prison, instead of the recommended 63 months, allowing him to take advantage of his newfound fame, something Jeremy is still thankful for. 'The only thing that saved me, which was such a blessing, was my judge. He helped me in so many ways,' Jeremy admitted. Immediately after his release from prison, fashion agencies began fighting to sign him. Just months later, he was walking the runways at numerous Fashion Week events. His debut was quickly followed by a series of high-profile modeling gigs, magazine features, and campaigns that brought him international attention. It was a whole new world for Jeremy, and adapting to this new life while dealing with his past was not easy. As Jeremy tried to adjust to his new career, he also struggled to maintain balance in his family life. He and his wife, Melissa, had been married since 2008. They met long before he became famous and had raised three sons together. Melissa stood by his side through some of his most challenging times. However, the changes in Jeremy's life took a toll on their marriage, and the couple eventually separated after some dramatic events. In June 2017, while still married to Melissa, Jeremy was photographed kissing billionaire heiress Chloe Green on a yacht in Turkey. The photos were leaked, and when Melissa saw them, she was heartbroken. A year later, they divorced. In the same year, Jeremy became a father again when Chloe Green gave birth to his son. There were rumors that they would get married after the birth, but that never happened. By August 2019, they had already split up. Perhaps their relationship was never meant to last—they came from completely different worlds. He was a man with a troubled past, while she was the daughter of a billionaire. What did they truly have in common? Since their breakup, Jeremy has chosen to keep his personal life private. However, he continues to share moments with his followers on social media, showcasing his close bond with his children despite his separations from their mothers. Surprisingly, the mugshot that made Jeremy Meeks an overnight success isn't a pleasant memory for him, and he no longer wants to be referred to as the "Hot Felon." "The 'hot felon' label is a blessing and a curse because it was the thing that allowed me to change my life for the better. But the look on my face in that picture is me thinking: ‘I won’t be able to put my son to bed tonight or take him to school in the morning.’ It was sadness and regret." Although Jeremy strives to be a better person and establish himself as a successful model, his past seems to follow him at every turn. "I just can’t wait for the day when I am seen as Jeremy Meeks and not just the 'Hot Felon,'" he said. Today, at 40 years old, Jeremy enjoys a life he never could have imagined, far from the troubled kid he once was. Fame has brought him everything he once dreamed of. He now lives in a luxury mansion and drives a $150,000 sports car. In addition to his modeling career, Jeremy has ventured into acting, landing roles in films like True to the Game, Secret Society, and Dance for Me. Media reports suggest his net worth is now around $15 million. Jeremy has completely transformed his life, becoming a new kind of Hollywood success story. He’s vocal about his commitment to personal growth and overcoming past challenges, inspiring fans who may be facing struggles of their own. That's why he decided to share his story in his memoir. In September 2024, Jeremy released his autobiography, Model Citizen: The Autobiography of Jeremy Meeks. In this candid book, he opens up about his journey from a troubled past to becoming a successful model and public figure. But his story might not end with the pages of a book. Talks of bringing his life to the screen have already begun. However, Jeremy believes that a single film wouldn’t do justice to his story—he has expressed interest in a television series that would capture the full depth of his transformation. One thing is certain—he won’t be playing himself, but he’ll be involved in making sure the story is told the right way. As Jeremy’s career continues to evolve, he has also found peace in his personal life. “I have been single for three years, and I really enjoy it,” he revealed. “I am focusing on my children and myself.” After years of high-profile relationships and public attention, he has chosen to prioritize his family and personal growth, which seems to be the best decision for him. Jeremy Meeks' story is a powerful reminder that your past does not define your future. No matter how many mistakes you’ve made, it’s never too late to change your path. Not everyone can become a model like Jeremy, but anyone can break free from the past and create a better future. Do you agree? 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