WAYNESVILLE -- A prestigious businessman and former Citizen of the Year is now in trouble for spanking another grown man over unpaid rent. Ron Kronenberger, 53, is charged with assault. He owns Hometown Market in Waynesville. The incident allegedly happened in the back office of the store last month.
Kronenberger is also a landlord. His tenant came in and didn't have the rent. So Kronenberger reportedly spanked him. A friend, who didn't want to be identified, says he never dreamed Kronenberger would be facing an assault charge.
"I've known him for 30 years and this is totally out of character for him. He's a fine man," the friend said.
We asked to speak to Kronenberger at the grocery store. We were told he wasn't there. His attorney didn't return our calls. According to the police report, the tenant owed Kronenberger $2,800 in unpaid rent. Kronenberger reportedly told the 29-year-old man, "If you're going to act like a child I'm going to treat you like one."
The report goes on to say, "Mr. Kronenberger spanked the tenant four times on the rear with his belt. ... (The tenant) stated he was scared and just wanted to get it over with."
The victim told police he complied with Kronenberger's demands and bent over, placing his hands on a chair.
"If he owed me $2,800 I'd spank him too," said Dave Roberts of Waynesville.
"For someone who owns a business, it's unheard of. I just couldn't believe it," said Debbie Smith, also of Waynesville.
We also went to Kronenberger's home. The garage door was open and there was a car in the driveway, but no one came to the door.
The victim also declined our interview request.
Kronenberger appears in court Thursday. We will continue following this story and bring you the latest information on ABC 22/FOX 45 Thursday night.
Kronenberger is also a landlord. His tenant came in and didn't have the rent. So Kronenberger reportedly spanked him. A friend, who didn't want to be identified, says he never dreamed Kronenberger would be facing an assault charge.
"I've known him for 30 years and this is totally out of character for him. He's a fine man," the friend said.
We asked to speak to Kronenberger at the grocery store. We were told he wasn't there. His attorney didn't return our calls. According to the police report, the tenant owed Kronenberger $2,800 in unpaid rent. Kronenberger reportedly told the 29-year-old man, "If you're going to act like a child I'm going to treat you like one."
The report goes on to say, "Mr. Kronenberger spanked the tenant four times on the rear with his belt. ... (The tenant) stated he was scared and just wanted to get it over with."
The victim told police he complied with Kronenberger's demands and bent over, placing his hands on a chair.
"If he owed me $2,800 I'd spank him too," said Dave Roberts of Waynesville.
"For someone who owns a business, it's unheard of. I just couldn't believe it," said Debbie Smith, also of Waynesville.
We also went to Kronenberger's home. The garage door was open and there was a car in the driveway, but no one came to the door.
The victim also declined our interview request.
Kronenberger appears in court Thursday. We will continue following this story and bring you the latest information on ABC 22/FOX 45 Thursday night.