Jeremy Meeks' Family Not Amused By Social-Media Fervor Over His Mugshot
STOCKTON (CBS13) — The thousands of social media admirers did not show up for Jeremy Ray Meeks' arraignment. Instead, his friends and family were there, very upset about the attention he's been getting over his infamous mugshot.
Those much talked about blue steel eyes were locked behind a heavy steel door last night at the San Joaquin County Jail. Friday afternoon, Meeks was arraigned on eleven felony counts related to firearm possession, street gang membership, and violating his probation.
Stockton Police said he's not a good guy. Meeks is a convicted felon, having spent two years in prison for grand theft in 2002.
Meeks was arrested with four other men on June 18 during a joint law enforcement gang sweep. However, Meeks became a social-media sensation after Stockton Police posted his mugshot on the department's Facebook. His mugshot went viral, with comments about his good looks and comparing the booking photo to a modeling headshot.
At his arraignment, Meeks friends and family were not amused by the social media attention.
"It's ridiculous," said friend Rajanique Davis. "People are making jokes when this is not funny at all."
Meeks is married with two young sons. His wife didn't attend his arraignment.
"I wouldn't be surprised if you don't see her at all in the cameras, because she's upset," said friend Simone Johnson.
"She's furious. Her man is in there and people are taking it as a joke, thinking it's funny talking about his looks, saying all kinds of crazy things."
Meeks's younger brother doesn't believe he is guilty and said he's a changed man after prison.
"He's a man who learns from his mistakes," said Meeks' brother Bryan Varela.
"With his past history, he got out of being incarcerated and put his mind on focus to his family and started doing what he had to do. Living the dream that he always wanted."
Meeks's public defender Sam Behar said he was shocked at the worldwide media attention for his client.
"It's better than the attention my clients usually get," said Behar.
Good looks may get you fame on Facebook, but justice is blind. Meeks's bail was raised to one million dollars.
Meeks's arraignment continues June 27 at 8:30 a.m.
