I think there are a few possibilities:

• Because they're fucking insane.

• Because they're now cooperating for a plea deal.

• Because the photographer said, "Smile for the little birdie!!!" and they still had a Twitter logo next to the camera instead of an X because they thought that meant the mugshot wouldn't end up on the 'net.

Maybe I should read the article..

Edit: oops, it's "defiance" I guess. Maybe we can get another mugshot after their sentencing to see if they're still smiling In defiance.

I guess that's because they don't want people to think they are in trouble. If you ignore the sheriff badge this could be a regular picture, and some voters probably can't tell the difference

White collar criminals often are smiling in their mug shots - this is a pretty vapid opinion piece IMO that's grasping at straws to make a headline.

I hate Trump and Co but this bullshit "news" is just so tiring and delegitimizes news

Because they're gonna be on the news. "Look ma, I'm on tv!"