BB9 contestant facing drug charge

BOSTON (AP) -- A former contestant on the CBS reality show "Big Brother 9" pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a federal drug charge.

Matthew McDonald, a 26-year-old roofer from Boston, was arraigned Wednesday after being indicted Tuesday on a charge of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.

A person familiar with the investigation said authorities allege that McDonald supplied oxycodone to "Big Brother 9" winner Adam Jasinski, who was charged in October. The person, who was not authorized to release details, spoke on the condition of anonymity.

A detention hearing is scheduled Monday to determine if McDonald will be released on bail. His lawyer, James Cipoletta, said his client strongly denies the charges.

"He and Mr. Jasinski were on the reality show together. Federal court is the ultimate reality show, but the information given to the government is pure fiction," Cipoletta said.

McDonald is facing separate state charges of aggravated assault and battery in the alleged beating of his pregnant girlfriend on April 18. He is also charged with intimidation of a witness for allegedly calling his girlfriend and urging her not to cooperate with prosecutors.

Jasinski, of Delray Beach, Fla., pleaded not guilty in federal court last year to trying to sell about 2,000 oxycodone pills to a man working with authorities.