Jeremy Meeks: Handsome felon 'lands $30,000 modelling contract'

Meeks is currently being held in the San Joaquin County Jail after being arrested during a gang sweep last month

This picture of convicted criminal Jeremy Meeks got 40,000 'likes' on a police Facebook page (Stockton Police Department/Facebook)

Jeremy Meeks, the so-called handsome felon who became an Internet sensation after his mugshot went viral, has landed a modeling contract.

Meeks, who is facing charges of illegal gun possession and gang crime, has been offered a $30,000 modelling contract with Blaze Models in Los Angeles, American website TMZ reports.

The convicted felon is represented by Hollywood talent agent Gina Rodriguez, who is hoping to secure a series of deals, including a reality television show, in an effort to help him "change his life" and "inspire others".

However, Los Angeles criminal defence attorney Darren Kavinoky has a rather different view on the matter and recently indicated that, if the allegations against Meeks are true, he is a "very, very bad boy" and won't be swapping prison for fashion week.

Meeks made headlines last month after his mugshot, posted on the Stockton Police Department’s Facebook page, went viral. The photograph has so far been “liked” by over 100,000 people, has been shared 12,800 times and has more than 26,500 comments.