ST. PAUL — Federal authorities have accused the head of the Veterans Affairs’ benefits office in St. Paul of using her position inappropriately for personal and financial gain.

A report from the Office of Inspector General says Kimberly Graves arranged to be transferred from a VA office on the East Coast to a position with less responsibility in St. Paul while keeping her higher rate of pay, and that she claimed nearly $130,000 in moving expenses.

The VA inspector general’s office said it has referred Graves and another VA official to the U.S. attorney for possible criminal prosecution and a decision on whether Graves should return $129,000 in moving expenses.

“We determined Ms. Graves inappropriately used her position of authority for personal and financial benefit when she participated personally and substantially in creating an opportunity for her own transfer to the St. Paul (Veterans Affairs Regional Office).”