A local business leader, Waynesville’s Citizen of the Year in 2006, is facing an assault charge accusing him of spanking a 29-year-old male tenant in a dispute over more than $2,000 in overdue rent.

Ron Kronenberger, 53, of Waynesville is scheduled for arraignment at 1 p.m. Thursday on an assault charge stemming from the Jan. 22 incident at his office at the Hometown Marketplace, a supermarket he owns in Waynesville.

Kronenberger is accused of striking the alleged victim four times on the buttocks with a belt. Pictures taken showed “little marks,” according to a police report.

“If you’re going to act like a child, I’m going to treat you like one,” Kronenberger said before the alleged assault, according to the report.

Kronenberger, past president of the Waynesville Area Chamber of Commerce, could not be reached for comment and declined to make a statement to police, according to reports. His lawyer, Lawrence Greger, could not be reached.

In response to questions from Police Chief Gary Copeland, the alleged victim said “he was scared and just wanted to get it over with,” according to the report.

“At this point, Chief left to attempt to make contact with Ron Kronenberger about the incident, in which Ron admits whipping (the victim) due to late rent payment in the amount of $2,800,” Officer Daniel Bledsoe said in the report narrative.

Kronenberger remains free after missing his original arraignment, according to records in Warren County Court. He is charged with one count of assault, usually a first-degree misdemeanor.