After the hearing, Kronenberger was served with an order barring him from contact with the alleged victim. The victim’s wife said the couple was declining to comment, while consulting a lawyer.
Kronenberger, Waynesville’s Citizen of the Year in 2006, is charged in a case stemming from an incident at his office at the Hometown Marketplace, a supermarket he owns in Waynesville.
Kronenberger, who remains free without bond, is accused of striking the alleged victim four times 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 is past president of the Waynesville Area Chamber of Commerce. A check of local court records indicated he has no previous criminal record.
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 is charged with one count of assault, usually a first-degree misdemeanor. He is scheduled to return to court on Wednesday, Feb. 27.
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