WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- An investigation has determined a four-star Army general engaged in lavish spending and other inappropriate activities, CNN reported Wednesday.
The news network reported that several Obama administration officials it described as directly familiar with the case said Gen. William "Kip" Ward, 63, could be demoted as a result of the Pentagon inspector general's findings.
The officials said Defense Secretary Leon Panetta was given the report this week and was expected to decide Ward's fate within days.
One administration official said Ward was found to have submitted expense reports with extravagant and unacceptable charges amounting to thousands of dollars. He was found to have made inappropriate use of military staff and misused government funds.
The official described the amount involved as "not an insignificant sum of money," CNN said.
Ward could be allowed to retire as a four-star general with full retirement pay or could be demoted to three-star rank.
CNN said it wasn't known whether any charges would be recommended against Ward.
Ward led the U.S. military's Africa Command for three years, relinquishing command in March 2011. Since then, he has held an Army staff job, serving as a two-star general during the investigation.
CNN said the Army had not responded to its request for a comment from Ward.
