Jeremy Meeks: ‘Handsome felon’ shares first modelling headshot weeks after signing to talent agency

How one mugshot saw a convicted criminal amass thousands of fans

Jeremy Meeks poses for his mugshot

It was a trajectory no police force could have seen coming.

After sharing a mug shot of a man recently arrested, a US police force inadvertently paved the way for Jeremy Meek's huge following. A following so loyal the release of his first professional head-shot has excited his fan base this week, months after he was signed by a talent agency.

Meeks shared the photo on Instagram with his 240,000 followers on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old was arrested in February 2014 and sentenced to 27 months in prison for possessing an illegal firearm.

The Stockton Police Department posted his image alongside other mugshots on its Facebook page after his initial arrest. HIs image was liked over 95,000 times and attracted an unprecedented response, thousands of swooning replies, started the hashtag #hotfelon and "handsomefelon" trending and was followed by a reported six-figure offer to make an adult film. His new fans even helped raise money for his legal costs on a GoFundMe page.

After serving his sentence, Meeks signed with LA-based talent agency White Cross Management. “I want to thank my family and everybody for all your love, support and prayers,” he said after signing. “I'm overwhelmed and grateful for what lies ahead.”

What his first campaign will be remains under wraps.