WASHINGTON — A candidate for Congress in Texas, Bobby Pulido, who has won two Latin Grammy Awards, has performed multiple times with accordionist Frankie Caballero. Caballero, a registered sex offender, was convicted in 2014 for inappropriate contact with an 8-year-old girl.
Pulido gained fame in the 1990s, working alongside Caballero before the latter’s conviction but has continued to perform with him years later, even after Caballero served four years for his crime. Their collaborations included concerts in various cities like Kansas City, Las Vegas, and Minneapolis up until 2021, as seen in social media and YouTube videos.
Caballero remains listed as Pulido’s accordion player on his Facebook, where he often promotes upcoming shows. Pulido’s campaign manager, Abel Prado, stated that Pulido was unaware of Caballero’s status as a sex offender and expressed sympathy for the victims involved.
Details of Caballero’s court records remain sealed due to the victims’ ages, but it’s noted that he has a lengthy criminal history, including an aggravated sexual assault charge from 1992. Some in the music community have expressed concerns over Pulido’s judgment, questioning how he could remain unaware of Caballero’s background given the tight-knit nature of the Tejano music scene.
“Can’t run away from trouble”
Beyond the child sex crimes, Caballero has faced other legal issues throughout the years. He has spoken fondly of his time in the band and working on their earlier hit tracks. His criminal past includes convictions for theft and DUI, among others. Though some allegations against him were dropped, his history indicates recurring legal problems.
In a 2024 interview, Pulido commented on Caballero’s troubling behavior over the years, calling it “unfortunate.” Caballero was also accused of a domestic violence incident in 2020 and subsequently charged, leading to further scrutiny of his actions. He ultimately pleaded guilty to assault and received a five-year prison sentence.
Pulido and Caballero’s public interactions showcased a friendship that continued up until 2021, shortly before more serious charges against Caballero were made public. Following this revelation, Pulido’s campaign announced that they severed ties with Caballero upon discovering his criminal history.
With the upcoming elections in Texas, Pulido is challenging the current Republican representative, Monica de la Cruz, in a district that stretches from Hidalgo County to San Antonio. De la Cruz has criticized the nature of Pulido’s performance connections, emphasizing that the election should not focus on show business relationships but on the voters’ trust in their representatives.
Despite the controversies, Pulido has remained a prominent figure in the Tejano music scene. A recent poll suggested he’s within striking distance of de la Cruz, highlighting a competitive race ahead.
In the face of criticism, Pulido has defended his artistic choices from his past and accused opponents of attempting to distort his image. Caballero, however, has not commented amidst the scrutiny surrounding his history and friendship with Pulido.
