'Big Brother 9' winner to change plea in drug case

[June 16, 2010]  BOSTON (AP) -- The winner of the CBS reality show "Big Brother 9" plans to change a not-guilty plea he made last year in a drug case, according to a court filing.

Adam Jasinski of Delray Beach, Fla., was arrested in a suburb north of Boston in October after allegedly showing a man cooperating with authorities two plastic bags filled with oxycodone, the main active ingredient in OxyContin and other painkillers.

Jasinski won $500,000 on "Big Brother 9" in 2008. In an affidavit filed after his arrest, a drug enforcement agent said Jasinski told him he used some of his winnings to buy oxycodone pills and resell them along the East Coast.

In November, Jasinski pleaded not guilty to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone.

An electronic notice filed in federal court Monday said attorneys have informed Judge William Young that Jasinski intends to change his plea. A change of plea hearing is scheduled for July 20.

Jasinski's lawyer, Valerie Carter, did not immediately return messages seeking comment Tuesday. A spokeswoman for U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz declined to comment.

Jasinski faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.

The "Big Brother" series features contestants who live under constant surveillance and vote once a week to evict each other in hopes of becoming the last houseguest standing and winning the grand prize.

Matthew McDonald, who was one of Jasinski's allies on "Big Brother 9," was indicted in April on a charge of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.

McDonald, a roofer from Boston, has pleaded not guilty. His lawyer, James Cipoletta, said Tuesday that he is not considering changing his plea.

[Associated Press; By DENISE LAVOIE]

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