POMONA — A Navy recruiting officer accused of sexually assaulting a potential recruit, who went to the El Monte recruiting office to inquire about joining the military, was ordered today to stand trial.

Pomona Superior Court Judge Steven D. Blades found sufficient evidence to require Van Van Tran, 40, to proceed to trial on one count of sexual penetration by

a foreign object, according to Jane Robison of the District Attorney’s Office.

The woman went to the El Monte office on March 9 and took a practice written examination for potential recruits, then was driven away by Tran under the ruse of going to a library to get study aids for the regular exam, prosecutors allege.

Authorities said the woman was driven near her home and assaulted before she was freed. She reported the alleged assault, and El Monte police and the U.S. Navy were notified.

Tran is due back at the Pomona courthouse on Jan. 6 for arraignment.