The armed robbery convictions of two brothers in Natchitoches Parish have been upheld by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Lake Charles in an opinion released Thursday. According to Natchitoches Parish District Attorney Van H. Kyzar, the appeals court affirmed the January 17, 2007, convictions of Corey Oliphant, 37, and his brother Nicholas Oliphant, 24, both of 116 Amanda Drive in Natchitoches.

The Oliphant brothers were arrested by Natchitoches City Police officers following an investigation into the robbery of the Tobacco Warehouse on South Drive in the city. “Evidence introduced at trial established that Corey Oliphant entered the business wearing a stocking mask and brandished a pistol. He robbed the clerk of approximately $700.00 and fled in a car driver by Nicholas Oliphant. Police located Nicholas in the car later that day and discovered the stocking mask and gun. DNA testing matched the mask and gun to Corey,” said Kyzar.

The Court of Appeals found that there was sufficient evidence at trial for the jury to convict both of armed robbery. The court further held that the sentences imposed on each of the defendants were not excessive. According to Kyzar, Corey

Oliphant was sentenced to 40 years in prison without parole, and Nicholas Oliphant was sentenced to 20 years in prison without parole.

District Judge Eric R. Harrington presided over the case at trial and sentencing. 1 st Assistant District Attorney Stuart Wright prosecuted the case for the State and on appeal.