A former paralegal at a law firm in Raleigh is charged with taking nearly $200,000 from the estate of a Duke University English professor.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported 35-year-old Shaunesy Teresa Story of Mebane is accused of taking money from the estate of Kenny J. Williams, a Duke professor who died in 2003.

Story was a paralegal at the Raleigh office of the Charlotte law firm, Parker, Poe, Adams and Bernstein. The newspaper said Story had been put in charge of Williams' estate.

Law firm partner Henry Campen Jr. said Story left the firm in July, after which the missing money was noticed. Campen says Wake County prosecutors and the N.C. State Bar were notified.

Story could be sentenced to up to seven years in prison if she's convicted.

There was no telephone listing for Story.