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'Hot convict' Jeremy Meeks is free from prison — and free to start modeling

Jeremy Meeks went from breaking the law to breaking hearts when his easy-on-the-eyes mug shot went viral following a 2014 arrest.
/ Source: TODAY

Jeremy Meeks went from breaking the law to breaking hearts when his easy-on-the-eyes mug shot went viral following a 2014 arrest.

The next year, the man who became known as the "hot convict" — and the "hot felon" and just plain hot — was sentenced to prison. But now he's served his time and he's free ... to pursue a modeling career.

Although many fans of his flattering photo said "it should be illegal to look so hot," it was actually a gun possession conviction that sent Meeks to prison. But before his sentence began, he capitalized on his sudden fame and signed up with a modeling agency.

"I want to thank my family and everybody for all your love, support and prayers," he wrote in a caption on Instagram following his release. "I'm overwhelmed and grateful for what lies ahead."

MORE: Is this felon hot or not? Mugshot gets 15k likes on Facebook

Meeks also said he's ready to work with his new team.

Photographer and model scout Jim Jordan, who appeared alongside Meeks in his first post-prison photo, reposted that image and wrote that he's "glad to finally reunite with my client," and that he's "so excited for this man!!!"

But what could be even more exciting than a potential modeling career? For Meeks — a family reunion.

Follow Ree Hines on Twitter.