DLNews Entertainment 'Crime'

Americans have this quirky knack for cheering on their rogues and rebels in the land of stars, stripes, and sensational scandals. Think Al Capone with his prohibition-era pizzazz or a string of presidents with more skeletons in their closets than a Halloween store. But hold your horses because today's story? It's about a latte, a law-breaker, and many laughs.

A mugshot that set social media ablaze: Veronica Koval after her traffic violation in May 2023.

Enter Veronica Koval, a 27-year-old firecracker from Virginia who needs speed... and caffeine. Her master plan? A quick Starbucks stop before work. But whoopsie-daisy, she zoomed right into the clutches of Johnny Law.

This is how Veronica Koval shows herself on her Instagram account.

Now, Veronica isn't just any run-of-the-mill speedster; she's an Instagram icon in the making. Cast your minds back to May last year, when Veronica's "reckless driving" antics landed her a 10-day stint in the clink and a $750 fine. For those across the pond, that's 685 euros (give or take a croissant).

But here's where the plot thickens – thanks to the internet. Our dear Veronica's mugshot pops up on "Mugshawtys" (because why not?), and the web goes wild. Picture this: Veronica, rocking that orange jumpsuit like it's haute couture, with a pout that screams 'model inmate.'

Cue the fanfare! One wise guy comments, "Release her; she was late for the shoot," while another swoons, "She can ruthlessly operate on my heart." Then there's Shelby, practically writing love sonnets: "This woman is beautiful."

But the real kicker? When a Sherlock-in-the-making, Gatlin, asks, "What’s the name of your Insta profile?" And, like a plot twist in a rom-com, Veronica herself replies, "Here you go, it’s me!"

And just like that, she's dishing out her traffic tale with a side of sass, declaring, "Guys, I had to go to Starbucks and then to work." Starbucks run or a run-in with the law?

"Tomato, to-mah-to."

Everyone knows this police photo: Jeremy Meeks after his arrest in 2014.

So, what's next for our traffic transgressor turned Instagram it-girl? Will she follow in the footsteps of the smoldering bad boy Jeremy Meeks, whose mugshot melted hearts and landed him a modeling contract and a millionaire lifestyle? Time will tell.

But one thing's for sure, in America's book of beloved bad boys and girls, Veronica's earning her spot. She's living proof that a simple coffee run can brew up a storm of fame. And as for the rest of us? We're just sitting here, sipping our lattes, and watching the show. Because in America, even when you're bad, you're oh-so-good.