An Ohio landlord is charged with one count of assault, considered a first-degree misdemeanor, after he allegedly whipped a tenant over $2,800 unpaid rent.

Ron Kronenberger, 53, was charged for an incident that occurred on January 22 in his office of Hometown Market store. Kronenberger told the 29-year-old tenant, "If you're going to act like a child I'm going to treat you like one," and proceeded to whip the tenant several times on his bare butt with his leather belt.

"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."

According to the police report, pictures taken of the victim's body show "little marks," the victim submitted to the landlord's request as he bend over and placed his hands on a chair.

Kronenberger admitted to the assault and was arraigned Thursday afternoon.

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."

Kronenberger made no statements to the press or to police regarding the case. He was also a past president of the Waynesville Area Chamber of Commerce and was Waynesville's Citizen of the Year in 2006, according to the Dayton Daily News.