An instructor at an Evans City dojo is accused of sending sexually inappropriate messages to a minor and communicating with them inappropriately, according to charges filed by state police.

Sean Michael Cohen, 31, was charged Wednesday, Oct. 7, with 27 felony counts of disseminating sexual material to a minor; one felony count each of unlawful contact with a minor and criminal use of a communication facility; and one count of misdemeanor corruption of minors following a Childline report filed Monday.

Police interviewed the minor Tuesday and were told Cohen, a karate instructor, had received the minor’s phone number approximately six months to a year ago. The incidents occurred when the minor was 14 and 15 years old. According to the Childline report, the two exchanged more than 1,200 text messages.

The minor told police early communication consisted of telling Cohen they couldn’t come to practice and Cohen asking if they had seen any new shows. The conduct allegedly progressed to Cohen asking the minor for pictures when he was lonely.

Police said he eventually would send the minor sexually explicit photos of anime cartoon girls, which the minor said made them feel uncomfortable because he would ask which one was their favorite and send eggplant emojis.

Police also alleged Cohen taught the minor about pressure points in an inappropriate area and demonstrated them in person at the dojo in Evans City. According to police, Cohen told the minor they could relieve stress by using pressure points in an inappropriate area.

The minor repeatedly told Cohen the messages made them feel “weird” and “uncomfortable,” according to charging documents.

Cohen’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 21 before District Judge Amy Marcinkiewicz. He is represented by attorney Michael Zunder.

Cohen worked for Shorin Ryu Karate Do International in Evans City. Attempts to reach the dojo for comment were unsuccessful.