Jeremy Meeks Mugshot: Convicted Felon 'Crying' in Jail, Being Targeted Due to Good Looks
Jeremy Meeks, the man whose mugshot captivated women around the world, is reportedly struggling emotionally behind bars.
The convicted felon, 30, was recently arrested on five weapons charges and two gang-related offences during raids targeting gangs in Stockton, California however he insists he is innocent.
On June 18, Meeks became an overnight internet sensation after the Stockton Police Department posted his mugshot on Facebook. Katherine Angier, who is Meeks' mother, revealed that while her son's handsome appearance has won support from admirers, it has led to him being unfairly targeted behind bars.
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"He is going through a terrible ordeal from the guards and some of the gang members," Angier said according to Daily Mail U.K.
"This is a nightmare for him. He doesn't want any of this. He is having a hard time in jail. He told me today was the first time he woke without crying," she added.
Meeks, who is a married father of one, sports various neck tattoos including the "NC" Northern Crips gang symbol and a teardrop under his left eye.
His mugshot photo instantly stole hearts and garnered more than 20,000 "likes" within a 24-hour period, which is the most the Stockton Police Department's Facebook page has ever seen.
He was reportedly charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammo, carrying a loaded firearm in public and criminal street gang activity, according to TMZ.com.
Insiders claim his is currently being held on $1 million bail ahead of his upcoming June 27 court appearance.
Angier says Meeks has "no gang affiliations" despite the nature of the charges and that he was simply "on his way to work" when police arrested him.
"He got away from the gangs when he met his wife and they got married six years ago," she said.
"He moved. He started a family," she continued. "He was trying to go straight. We just want his life to be normal. Who knows what this is going to do to his life. This could mess it all up."
Angier recently set up a fund for her son's bail and donations, presumably from admirers, have been pouring in. To date the fund has reached $4500 of its $25,000 goal.
She also confirmed reports that Meeks has been presented with "many, many offers" for movie roles and modeling work from agents who are eager to profit off of his good looks.
"It could end being a good thing," Angier said of Meeks' legal woes.
The recent raid was a multi-agency task force that included various police force units including the Stockton PD Gang Violence Suppression Unit, Community Response Team, County Wide Gang Task Force and nine other organizations, including the FBI, according to SPD Facebook page.
"Due to a recent increase of shootings and robberies in the Weston Ranch area, the Stockton Police Department just completed a multi-agency Operation Ceasefire enforcement mission," the department wrote in a post alongside Meeks' mugshot.
