Chester Man on Trial for Alleged Role in Kohl's Armed Robbery

Zaire Ransom-Nelson accused of being accomplice in thwarted holiday season heist

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:04am

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An extreme close-up of a gun trigger and grip, the harsh flash lighting creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic without revealing any identifying details.A recent wave of brazen retail robberies has heightened security concerns and the need for swift police intervention.Chester Today

A 31-year-old Chester, Pennsylvania man is on trial in Montgomery County, accused of being an accomplice to a 21-year-old suspect in an armed robbery at a Kohl's department store in Limerick during the 2024 holiday shopping season. The robbery was stopped by an off-duty Lower Merion police detective who was shopping at the store with his family.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of retail crime and the role of vigilant law enforcement in protecting public safety, even when off duty. It also raises questions about the legal standards for determining accomplice liability in armed robbery cases where the primary suspect has already pleaded guilty.

The details

Surveillance video showed the 21-year-old suspect, Von Curry, pulling a gun on a 17-year-old Kohl's cashier. As Curry did so, the off-duty detective, James Black, walked up behind Curry, grabbed his gun arm, and ordered him to the ground. Curry broke free and he and the alleged accomplice, Zaire Ransom-Nelson, fled the scene but were later apprehended. Prosecutors say Ransom-Nelson's DNA was found on the gun and getaway car, but his lawyer argues there is no proof he was an active participant.

  • The armed robbery occurred on December 22, 2024 during the busy holiday shopping season.
  • Curry pleaded guilty to multiple counts of armed robbery and conspiracy and will be sentenced in June 2026.

The players

Zaire Ransom-Nelson

A 31-year-old man from Chester, Pennsylvania who is on trial for allegedly being an accomplice in the armed robbery at the Kohl's store.

Von Curry

A 21-year-old suspect who pleaded guilty to multiple counts of armed robbery and conspiracy for his role in the Kohl's heist and other incidents.

James Black

An off-duty Lower Merion police detective who was shopping at the Kohl's store with his family and intervened to stop the armed robbery in progress.

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What they’re saying

“I became suspicious when I saw the two men in the parking lot dressed entirely in black, wearing masks, hoods and purple nitrile gloves.”

— James Black, Off-duty Lower Merion police detective

What’s next

The judge in Zaire Ransom-Nelson's trial will decide whether the evidence is sufficient to convict him as an accomplice to the armed robbery.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of retail crime and the importance of vigilant law enforcement, even when off duty, in protecting public safety. It also raises questions about the legal standards for determining accomplice liability in armed robbery cases.