A Waynesville businessman was granted diversion Thursday in Warren County Court on 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 charged in a case stemming from the Jan. 22 incident at his office at the supermarket he owns in Waynesville.

On Thursday, Magistrate David Chicarelli told Kronenberger that the case would be dismissed in August if he complied with conditions of the diversion, including no contact with the victim. The magistrate advised Kronenberger that he would face conviction if he violated the no-contact order or had other problems warranting the court’s attention during the six-month period.

Kronenberger, a well-known leader in Waynesville, is accused of striking the alleged victim four times on the buttocks with a belt.

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

In response to questions from Waynesville 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.

On Thursday, Kronenberger and his lawyer declined comment. The victim also declined comment and referred questions to his lawyer, who could not be reached.