Landlord allegedly whipped tenant for late rent

Here's one landlord you shouldn't cross.

Ron Kronenberger, 53, of Waynesville, Ohio, is charged with assault--for allegedly spanking one of his tenants over $2,800 in unpaid rent.

According to the police report from January 22, as obtained by the local ABC News affiliate, Kronenberger told the 29-year-old tenant: "If you're going to act like a child I'm going to treat you like one."

The alleged incident occurred when the tenant showed up at Kronenberger's office at Hometown Market, a grocery store he owns in Waynesville.

"Mr. Kronenberger spanked the tenant four times on the rear with his belt," the report continued. "(The tenant) stated he was scared and just wanted to get it over with."

The victim, who did not want to be identified, told police he complied with his landlord's strange demand by bending over and placing his hands on a chair.

Kronenberger is accused of striking the victim's bare bottom four times with his belt. He was arraigned Thursday afternoon.

According to the police report, Chief Gary Copeland said he made "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.”

According to the Dayton Daily News, Kronenberger is a past president of the Waynesville Area Chamber of Commerce and was Waynesville's Citizen of the Year in 2006.

We wouldn't count on him being a repeat honoree after this.