The behind the scenes details of Orlando's controversial mayor's race will be released after Local 6 petitioned a judge Friday to open transcripts of a closed hearing.

A current criminal investigation is looking into claims that Mayor Buddy Dyer allegedly paid-off campaign worker Ezzie Thomas to collect absentee ballots that helped the mayor win a close election.

However, Local 6 News and the Orlando Sentinel petitioned the judge to open transcripts of a closed hearing where Ezzie Thomas described his work on the campaign.

The judge agreed to release those previously sealed transcripts based on the Local 6 argument that the public has a right to know what happened in the highly contested race.

Friday, Ezzie Thomas' attorney admitted to Local 6 News that his client did receive money from the Dyer campaign and he blamed any illegal activity on the mayor's workers.

"He did receive money, you all know that," Thomas' attorney Dean Mosely said. "You all know what he is known for in the community and that is collecting absentee ballots. I don't know why the mayor's team paid him that money. But that is probably something that is going to be settled in litigation."

The litigation that Mosley is referring to is the pending criminal case under investigation by the state attorney's office. Thomas has received immunity from prosecution in that case for his testimony against the mayor and other campaign workers, Local 6 News has learned.

If it is determined there was illegal activity in that race, it will result in a new election in Orlando and could land someone in jail.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.