Farber's initial involvement in what would become known as the Dr. X case began in June 1975 when the paper received a letter from a woman claiming that as many as 40 patients had been murdered at a hospital by its chief surgeon.
This new surgeon, together with directors of the hospital, opened Jascalevich's locker on October 31, 1966, and found 18 near-empty vials of curare, a powerful muscle relaxant that could cause death if not administered in conjunction with artificial respiration.
[5] With several breaks for appeals, Farber ended up spending a total 40 days in the Bergen County Jail and was not released until October 24 after Jascalevich was acquitted.
Jane E. Kirtley of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press cited how "Farber's case roused journalists out of their complacency", noting that "Going to jail for more than a month is significant in anyone's eyes.
The paper's attorney, Floyd Abrams, was planning efforts to file for the return of the additional $185,000 that had been assessed in civil contempt fines.