Saginaw surgeon gets probation for threatening to blow up hospital with bomb belt

SAGINAW, MI — Having a bad day while operating on a patient in January, a local surgeon took it out on his colleagues by threatening to blow them up with a bomb belt. It wasn't the first time he allegedly threatened to kill coworkers.

As a result, the doctor in question, 37-year-old Omar N. Marar, initially faced a 20-year felony count of terrorism. Though that charge was dismissed when Marar pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor counts of disturbing the peace, he is to be monitored for the next half-year as a civil lawsuit against him works its way through the court system.

Marar on Tuesday, Nov. 12, appeared before Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank for sentencing, having accepted his plea deal in August.

"This is an unfortunate situation he has repented and reflected for," said defense attorney Philip A. Sturtz. In asking the judge for a sentence of fines and costs, Sturtz recounted how Marar has fully cooperated with police and prosecutors, undergone a self-initiated psychiatric evaluation, attended coaching and professional development courses, and apologized to his victims.

Marar has the support of colleagues, medical residents, and patients, his attorney said. The colon and rectal surgeon also suffered a great deal of "collateral consequences" and is having licensing issues to contend with, Sturtz added. Records show Marar's medical license is active through Oct. 23, 2025.

Before Frank imposed sentence, he heard from one of Marar's victims, Eric Neumann, an anesthesia paramedic with Ascension St. Mary's Hospital for more than eight years. Since Marar threatened his life, Neumann has sought other employment and counseling services for PTSD, he said.

"There have been some people who have suffered," he said. "I ask we could keep that in mind during sentencing."

Marar declined to speak, as he did when he pleaded. Sturtz at the time said his client pleaded no contest rather than guilty due to civil liability.

Judge Frank reviewed an apology letter from Marar and commended him on the "significant steps" he has taken to address his behavior.

"Dr. Marar, your conduct in the operating room was by all accounts reckless," Frank said. "I don't think I need to tell you that."

He described Marar as having a bad day and taking it out on his coworkers, something he considered more a civil matter than a criminal one. He gave Marar credit for not attempting to justify or minimize his conduct. In Frank's estimation, the surgeon was "struck with humility" by the fallout of his actions.

"Certainly, the oath to your profession was not upheld on that day," Frank told Marar. "When you're on your game, you're an excellent physician and surgeon. The question is, can you stay on your game?"

Frank sentenced Marar to six months' probation and ordered he pay a fine of $100, plus court costs. Should Marar follow through on plans to move away from the Saginaw area, his probation will transfer with him.

On Jan. 8, Marar was in an operating room at Ascension St. Mary's Hospital when he grew upset over a malfunctioning CO2 tank. He threatened to "get his bomb belt and blow everyone up" and told his medical staff he would "kill you all," police reports state.

Several people present feared Marar would follow through on his threat, prosecutors alleged.

Before this, in December 2022, Marar allegedly went on a tirade when staff weren't performing to his standards and said he was going to kill himself. While performing surgery, Marar specifically said he would use a .22- or .25-caliber gun to shoot himself, also saying he would shoot others, prosecutors alleged.

When staff reported Marar's conduct, he allegedly threatened to "take out" who turned him in.

Attorney Manda L. Danieleski on Feb. 28 filed a lawsuit against Marar in Saginaw County Circuit Court on behalf of emergency room technician Darlina Costilla. In it, Danieleski wrote Costilla on Dec. 9, 2022, was working in a recovery room at the hospital as Marar yelled insults, calling nurses "lazy b****."

Costilla informed the director of surgery of Marar's conduct, only to be told "ignore him if he comes around us," the suit alleges.

Later that day, Costilla saw Marar ranting that he wanted to kill himself and everyone in the facility.

"I (expletive) hate this place and everyone in it," he allegedly said. "You guys know I have guns everywhere in my house and have lots of guns to pull it off."

Marar allegedly went on to say he could return with guns "and no one will find your bodies until housekeeping comes in." Marar threatened to kill colleagues who reported him, Danieleski also alleged.

Costilla's lawsuit against Marar has been on hold pending the resolution of the surgeon's criminal case. Danieleski has said she plans to file another suit against Marar on Neumann's behalf.