WASHINGTON (AP) — Pentagon investigators say that as Gen. William "Kip" Ward traveled around the world as the head of the military's U.S. Africa Command, he spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in excessive hotel costs and allowed unauthorized family members to travel on his government plane.

Ward, who was the first head of Africa Command, is facing possible demotion for the alleged lavish spending. Defense officials say Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is expected to make a final decision on Ward's fate before the end of the month.

Officials described the investigation to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because it is a personnel matter and the investigative report has not been released publicly.

Ward has not responded to requests for comment.

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(Photo: AP Photo/Caleb Jones, File)