WASHINGTON (November 13, 2012)—Gen. William “Kip” Ward has been demoted and must repay tens of thousands of dollars, a senior U.S. official said.

The former head of U.S. Africa Command was accused of spending thousands of dollars on lavish travel and other unauthorized expenses.

The official says Defense Secretary Leon Panetta stripped Ward of a star, which means that he will now retire as a three-star lieutenant general despite some arguments against the demotion.

Ward will also repay the government $82,000.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the official wasn't authorized to discuss a personnel matter.

The demotion came after retired Army Gen. David Petraeus resigned as CIA director because of an extramarital affair and Marine Gen. John Allen is being investigated for improper communications with a woman.