Ex-Wells Fargo Worker’s Side Hustle Tanks Disability Benefit Bid

A former Wells Fargo & Co. mortgage consultant lost his lawsuit seeking disability benefits when a New Jersey federal judge agreed with Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. that the consultant’s side project developing a sporting complex meant he was capable of full-time employment.

David Hocheiser “worked extensively” to develop a 170,000 square foot sporting complex called Sportika during the period he claimed to be unable to work for Wells Fargo because of persistent back and neck pain, Chief Judge Freda L. Wolfson said Monday.

Hocheiser’s extensive activities with Sportika—which included attending public meetings, securing financing, and developing business strategies—weren’t promptly disclosed ...